Judge's Ruling Against Silfab Solar Permits Lawsuits to Proceed in Fort Mill
Circuit Court Judge William McKinnon has ruled that Silfab Solar, a solar manufacturer in Fort Mill, South Carolina, should not have been permitted to operate under York County's light industrial zoning classification. This decision upholds a 2024 ruling by the County Board of Zoning Appeals, which found that the county zoning administrator had incorrectly categorized Silfab as light industrial when the company applied to build its facility. The plant has faced significant opposition from local citizen groups, who argue that its proximity to a nearby elementary school, which was not yet open in 2024, makes it unsuitable for the area. These groups have filed multiple lawsuits against Silfab, claiming that the enterprise is too heavy for the location on Gold Hill Road. While the ruling does not halt Silfab's operations, it allows the lawsuits against the company to continue. Silfab has announced plans to appeal the decision and intends to maintain its hiring and operational activities in Fort Mill. 
