§1144. Facility siting

            A. Any solar power generation facility with a footprint of seventy-five acres or more which is not located wholly within an industrial-zoned area or a Louisiana Economic Development certified site shall comply with the standards set forth in this Section.

            B.(1) There shall be a buffer around the perimeter of each solar power generation facility that includes setbacks and a vegetative barrier to screen the facility from view. The vegetative barrier shall be comprised of native vegetation, shall ensure an opaque visual barrier year round, and shall be designed to conceal the development from view from adjoining properties. Stamped landscape plans by a licensed landscape architect or landscape horticulturalist shall be required for permitting. Existing vegetation on-site may be retained undisturbed in satisfaction of the vegetative barrier requirement if it otherwise meets the requirements of this Section.

            (2) For residential property, unless provided otherwise by written agreement between the property owner and the facility operator, there shall be a three hundred foot setback from the residential property line to the nearest solar device, with one of the following:

            (a) A thirty-five foot deep vegetative barrier composed of new plant material.

            (b) A fifty foot deep vegetative barrier composed of natural plant material.

            (3) For natural and navigable water bodies, there shall be a one hundred foot setback from the ordinary low water mark to the nearest solar device.

            (4) For public roads, there shall be a fifty foot setback from the edge of the paved road surface to the nearest solar device, with a thirty-five foot vegetative barrier.

            C. Noise levels at the property line of the facility shall not exceed ten A-weighted decibels (dbA) above the ambient noise level present at the property line prior to operation of the facility.

            D. The provisions of this Section shall apply to any solar power generation facility for which construction begins after January 1, 2026.

            Acts 2025, No. 279, §1.