News Summary
Silfab Solar is appealing a York County Board of Zoning Appeals ruling that limits solar panel manufacturing in light industrial zones. The appeal hearing, presided over by Circuit Court Judge Keith Kelly, included presentations from both sides, with community concerns about potential hazards due to the facility’s proximity to local schools. Silfab argues its activities align with zoning regulations, while opponents claim it operates outside of allowed industrial classifications. The outcome could significantly influence the company’s future and local zoning policies.
York County – Silfab Solar is in the process of appealing a ruling made by the York County Board of Zoning Appeals that prohibits solar panel manufacturing in light industrial zones. The appeal hearing occurred at the Moss Justice Center, where Circuit Court Judge Keith Kelly presided. Judge Kelly is expected to make a decision regarding the appeal within the coming weeks, although no specific timeline has been provided for when that ruling will be announced.
During the hearing, legal representatives for both sides presented their arguments. Cameron Halford represented nearby property owner Walter Buchanan, while Brandon Gaskin represented Silfab Solar. Community members attended the hearing in significant numbers, showing their support for the lawsuit against Silfab Solar.
The Board of Zoning Appeals previously determined that Silfab’s operation falls under the category of heavy industrial manufacturing, whereas the facility is designated for light industrial activities. Halford contended that Silfab has conducted construction and production activities without the necessary permits, including a temporary stop work order that had been imposed but later lifted. He emphasized that Silfab appeared to misunderstand local government processes and had ignored zoning regulations for more than 15 months.
In response, Gaskin argued that the motion to dismiss the zoning appeal was not properly executed, asserting that Silfab had complied with the required appeal protocols. This back-and-forth highlighted the ongoing conflict between local regulations and Silfab’s operational intentions.
Concerns among residents have heightened, particularly regarding the facility’s proximity to Flint Hill Elementary School and the planned Flint Hill Middle School. Parents and community members have raised alarms about the potential dangers of chemical manufacturing close to schools, emphasizing the risks associated with hazardous materials used in Silfab’s production processes.
Silfab maintains that its manufacturing activities qualify as electrical equipment manufacturing, which they argue aligns with local zoning regulations and that the Board of Zoning Appeals overstepped its authority in their decision. Meanwhile, the York County attorney indicated a neutral position on the matter, describing their role as “operating as Switzerland” to facilitate the legal proceedings without bias.
The residents of York County have been vocal about their objections for the past two years, particularly emphasizing the concern for children’s safety due to the type of materials being utilized in the manufacturing process at Silfab. Halford has pointed out that Silfab has never applied for a variance or a change of use for their facility, despite the Board’s unfavorable ruling against them.
The outcome of the Board of Zoning Appeals’ ruling is expected to have significant implications for Silfab’s future operations. The court’s decisions surrounding zoning laws, local manufacturing regulations, and community safety will all play a critical role moving forward.
As the community awaits Judge Kelly’s ruling, the ongoing tensions between local residents, regulatory authorities, and Silfab Solar underscore the complexities involved in industrial operations within residential areas. The results of this appeal could shape the future of solar manufacturing in York County and set a precedent for zoning laws impacting similar industries.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Silfab Solar Appeal Ruling
- WSOC TV: Silfab Solar Zoning Lawsuit
- Post and Courier: Silfab Solar Court Case
- WCNC: Silfab Solar Lawsuit
- Charlotte Observer: Silfab Solar News
- Wikipedia: Zoning
- Google Search: Silfab Solar
- Google Scholar: Silfab Solar
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Zoning
- Google News: Silfab Solar
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
