Surry County Energy Project Survey

The Surry County Department of Planning and Community Development is very interested in knowing the community's input on energy projects and what you would like to see in the future for Surry County. Community feedback during the planning stages of updating the Comprehensive Plan is critical, and we encourage the community to participate and share with us your responses.

Please fill out the following contact information and take the survey below. You may select multiple choices for each question. Your responses will be kept private.

First Name *

Last Name *

Street Address *

Address Line 2

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Phone Number *

Email Address *

1. What makes you interested in energy projects? *

I am considering leasing my land for a solar farm

I believe energy projects will help Surry economically

I work in an energy-related field

I am concerned about the effect on the county by Solar Energy projects

I want to install solar panels on my house

I am not interested in energy projects

2. What type of energy projects interest you most (whether your interest be positive or negative)? *

3. What impacts are most concerning about energy projects? *

Loss of farmland/forested land

Loss of viewsheds

Loss of historic character/agricultural character

Displacement of wildlife

Flooding/stormwater runoff

No impacts, energy projects are good for the county

Other Other

4. On a scale of 1 to 5, how is Surry managing energy projects? 1-Excellent, 2- Good, 3 - Average, 4 - Needs improvement, 5 - Poor - needs immediate attention *

5. What could be done to improve energy projects? *

Increased buffers/landscaping

Increased benefits to the community

Have the landowners more involved in the application process

Provide more oversight for issue resolution and compliance with ordinances and agreements

Provide fully developed plans (land management, road and traffic management, safety and fire support) before requesting approval of zoning changes

No changes are needed, projects are beneficial to the county

Other Other

6. Do you think Surry County needs to have a defined number of acres or percentage of land devoted to energy projects? *

No, there should be no limit

Yes, it should be limited to a very small percentage

Yes, but Surry should allow a large percentage

Yes, Surry should designate areas where energy projects are appropriate

7. Which of the following economic development projects should be pursued instead of energy projects? *

New housing developments

Expanded heavy industrial development

A new landfill

A meat processing/licensed butcher

Outdoor Activities - hiking, boating, cycling, horse trail riding, camping, hunting

Agritourism

Tradesman Vocation Education

Technology Businesses

None, energy projects are preferred

8. What areas of the County are inappropriate for energy projects? *

High traffic corridors

Within view of historic properties or in historic viewsheds

Within a certain distance of residential areas

None, energy projects are appropriate anywhere in the county

9. Please share any further thoughts you have on energy projects in Surry County.