As renewable energy gains popularity, the City of Saint John is attempting to make certain projects easier to build.

Common council gave first and second readings to amendments to the municipal plan and the city’s zoning bylaw on Oct. 6.

The amendments would allow for solar energy projects on rural-zoned land in the city without requiring rezoning to a Green Energy Zone.

According to a report from the planning advisory committee, the Green Energy Zone was added to the municipal plan in 2019 with the intent to accommodate wind energy development like the Burchill wind farm in Lorneville.

Wind energy development is considered a high-impact form of energy development. It requires more extensive setbacks and decommissioning considerations due to the size and scale of the site development.

As a result, amendments made in 2019 were framed based on requirements and considerations for wind development.

Solar energy development is considered a less intensive, lower-impact land use.

Commissioner of growth and community services Amy Poffenroth said the amendments are in line with the municipal plan, which calls on council to consider environmental sustainability and life-cycle costs in municipal decisions.

Saint John Energy made the application for the amendments.

The utility’s director of engineering and system strategy, Andrew Ahearn, told council the application wasn’t about any particular project, but about the existing legislation creating barriers to developing solar projects.

“This aligns with other jurisdictions to get to a place where it’s easier for developers to develop solar, specifically, in these rural zones,” Ahearn said.

Saint John Energy is currently working on a 10-megawatt solar project on Old Black River Road in East Saint John.

Council is expected to consider third reading of the amendments at its next meeting on Oct. 20.