Judge rules on Silfab Solar zoning

FORT MILL, S.C – A judge is siding with the York County Board of Zoning appeals to say manufacturing solar panels is not included in light industrial zoning. Right now, Silfab Solar is operating under a light industrial zoning, but many argue their operations do not fall under that category.

“They shouldn’t even be here they shouldn’t even exist so they gotta enforce that,” Jean Cellent, Fort Mill Resident said.

The latest ruling indicates that the court agrees that the plant’s hazardous chemicals processes violate local laws.

“It just gives me a lot of anxiety and an additional worry I have with my son attending middle school this year,” Tracie Williams, Fort Mill Resident said.

Opponents say Silfab is too close to schools and homes. There have been chemical spills since the plant opened.

“They gotta go we got kids,” Cellent said. “With that last spill kids couldn’t go to school that’s terrible, so they gotta go.”

In a statement Silfab says in part, “While Silfab Solar is disappointed by the ruling, we are pleased that the court acknowledged that the BZA’s decision was limited…More importantly, this decision has no effect on our current operations.”

The decision doesn’t immediately close the Fort Mill facility. Some citizens are now calling on York County to enforce the law and regulate the site.

“We don’t know what we’re breathing in the air around here,” Williams said. “I love Fort Mill but just to know it’s in our backyard it makes you wonder like what are we really breathing in.”

York County government leaders released a statement saying in part that the “Zoning interpretations apply prospectively to future zoning decisions only.” The county also said, “we understand this issue matters deeply to many residents. Additional legal proceedings are ongoing, and we’ll share updates as they become available.”