LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Rural Land Management Board approved funding for appraisals of six farms and new small farm easement closings during its April 22 meeting, while also hearing concerns about a proposed solar energy zoning ordinance that would allow large-scale installations on agricultural land.

The board, which oversees Lexington's Purchase of Development Rights program, unanimously authorized appraisals for farms designated as PDR 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 for 2025. The board also approved contracts totaling approximately $14,900 for farm appraisals and inspections, including $4,000 to Kenimer Appraisal Services for one PDR farm appraisal and $6,300 to Charlie Farmer for inspections of 63 farms in March.

According to the meeting archive, Beth Overman, the PDR director, announced the closing of the first small farm easements and one PDR farm, with a detailed presentation scheduled for June. The PDR program protects over 33,000 acres of Fayette County's prime farmland soils through conservation easements that permanently restrict commercial development.

The board also addressed a heated discussion regarding proposed solar energy systems zoning amendments. Council Member Liz Sheehan presented changes focusing on large-scale solar installations in agricultural zones, raising concerns among board members about using prime farmland for renewable energy. Margaret Graves and Phil Meyer also spoke during the discussion.

The solar debate reflects ongoing tensions in Lexington over renewable energy goals and farmland preservation. The Planning Commission voted 6-0 to prohibit industrial-scale solar projects in Agricultural zones, but a council committee voted 6-4 in March to advance a proposal allowing solar farms larger than five acres under conditional use permits, with restrictions including continued on-site farming, annual inspections, and at least 85 percent vegetation under panels.

The April 28 city council work session is expected to continue discussions on the solar ordinance. The board also heard updates on other agenda items, including postponement of a cell tower application and continued review of the Mint Lane Pump Station project. Matt Hutchison announced that all PDR applications for 2026 have been selected for funding and are pending national headquarters review through NRCS Match Funding.