Circuit Court rules against Greensboro Board of Zoning Appeals in Halo solar case

GREENSBORO – The Caroline County Circuit Court has reversed the Greensboro Board of Zoning Appeals’ decision to deny a special exception request from Halo Greensboro Property, LLC. The ruling allows Halo to move forward with plans to construct a solar energy facility within town limits.

Halo Greensboro LLC, a Michigan-based limited liability corporation, first applied in January 2025 for a special exception to build a private utility facility on its 3.73-acre property at 720 Sunset Avenue. The proposal included solar panels and related equipment. After a hearing on March 10, 2025, the Greensboro Board of Zoning Appeals denied the application.

Following the denial, Halo filed an appeal to the Caroline County Circuit Court. On May 19, 2025, the Greensboro Town Council voted on whether to send Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan to represent the Board in court. The Council was split, and Mayor David Spencer broke the tie in favor of providing legal support.

The case was heard on August 5, 2025. In its petition for judicial review, Halo argued that the property’s Industrial 2 (I-2) zoning allows for private utility facilities, including solar renewable resource generators, and that the project met all criteria for a special exception. The company stated that the solar panels would be decommissioned after use and would not adversely affect the surrounding area.

In its written decision denying the application, the Board of Appeals had stated that the project would “provide no benefit to the town of Greensboro” and would “adversely impact adjoining properties in the area.” The Board also cited traffic concerns, noting that Halo was “proposing a large project with access via a small road.”

The Circuit Court found that Halo had met the requirements under the Greensboro Land Development Ordinance. Court documents read, “It is clear that Halo met the criteria for a special use exception under the Greensboro Land Development Ordinance.” The Court also noted that two Board members had acknowledged that Halo met the criteria.

The court determined that the Board “did not use the appropriate standard” in its denial. The written opinion of the Court stated, “The findings of fact and conclusions do not suggest that the relative harm caused by the special use is greater at this location as opposed to any other I-2 zoned locations.” The court concluded, “The Board’s decision is reversed.”

Greensboro’s Town Manager Cindy Yost released the following statement to Caroline Review.News:

“The Town of Greensboro acknowledges the recent court ruling in favor of the proposed solar farm project. While we are disappointed that our legal arguments were not upheld, we recognize that this outcome marks a pivotal moment for our community, and we are committed to ensuring that any development moving forward respects the interests, safety, and character of Greensboro.”