YOUR PRESENCE IS NEEDED: ATTEND THE JUNE 11 BZA HEARING ON THE RIVERSTONE SOLAR PROJECT

Buckingham County residents and landowners are called on to attend a critical Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) hearing on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. concerning the Riverstone Solar project and the validity of its Special Use Permit (SUP22-SUP299).

This hearing will determine whether County officials improperly allowed the project to continue after the developer failed to meet a major deadline required by the permit approved in 2022.

THE CORE ISSUE

Condition 4 of the Special Use Permit required Riverstone Solar to submit a building permit application within two years of approval — by February 28, 2024 — or the permit would become “null and void.”

According to the appeal filed with the BZA:
• Riverstone did not submit the required building permit application by the deadline.
• No lawful extension was granted before the permit expired.
• After the deadline passed, County officials claimed the permit was automatically extended under a Virginia law tied to COVID-era relief.
• Appellants argue that law does not apply because the Riverstone permit did not exist in July 2020 — a requirement specifically written into the statute.

Citizens are asking a simple question:
If ordinary residents are expected to follow deadlines and County rules, why should a large corporate solar developer be treated differently?

WHY COMMUNITY ATTENDANCE MATTERS

Residents have spent more than two years raising concerns, submitting public comments, attending Board meetings, and demanding independent review and accountability. This hearing is the public’s opportunity to witness the process firsthand and show that Buckingham citizens are paying attention.

This is about more than one solar project. It is about:
• Equal enforcement of the law
• Government transparency
• Accountability from County officials
• Protection of public trust
• Whether permit conditions actually mean anything, regardless of who the applicant is.

Public presence matters. A full room sends a message that the community expects fairness, openness, and adherence to the law — regardless of who the applicant is.

HEARING INFORMATION

Thursday, June 11, 2026
11:00 a.m.

Buckingham County Administration Building
Peter Francisco Meeting Room
13380 W. James Anderson Highway
Buckingham, VA 23921

Please attend, stay informed, and stand for transparent government and accountable decision-making in Buckingham County.