Town of North Harmony
Planning Board
Tuesday, 9/12/2017, 7:00 PM
Members Present: Pat Rice Dick Johnson
John Warner Louis Rieg Phil Strand
Brad Lawson, Zoning C.E.O
Others Present: Don McCord & Dick Sena
Mr. Rice opened the hearing at 7:00 PM.
Mr. Lawson, Zoning C.E.O. gave report and Town report.
There was discussion on rental properties and zoning violations.
There was discussion on the Grandview Properties.
Draft Solar Law:
Don McCord presented a draft Solar Law to the Planning Board. The law is based on New York State model law. The largest content revolves around the large scale uses except for some of the considerations in regards to fire code enforcement, how you place them on roofs, whether it’s a roof mount of a ground mount, basic setbacks and height requirements.
Don McCord said it does not contain any information on collective solar which is one huge solar panel used to provide energy to multiple buildings or homes.
Mr. McCord said that the solar around here just doesn’t have the capacity for large solar farms.
Mr. McCord said that the solar will be considered accessory use so it won’t require a
Special use permit but it is going to have to meet the set back requirements. Using the roof mount besides meeting the building requirements it will need to meet the height requirement.
Mr. Johnson asked if this solar included heating as well.
Mr. McCord said no that they are mainly used for electric but we can add a definition if we wanted to.
Mr. Johnson asked besides PV is there another solar technology for electric.
Mr. McCord said this is the only one he has seen in any of the models.
Mr. Rice asked if there was a big fire threat with the roof mounted solar panels.
Mr. Lawson said they don’t cause the fire but if you have a fire they can present a challenge.
Mr. McCord said if you do install panel you have to notify the fire company and let them know where the cut off boxes are and they have to be marked.
Mr. Rieg asked how the solar panels would hold up to flooding.
Mr. McCord said it could pose a challenge.
There was some discussion about some of the language in the model law.
Mr. Warner asked if there are any weight issues.
Mr. Lawson said no.
There was discussion on the wind farm going up in Cherry Creek.
Mr. Rieg Motioned to send Draft Solar Law Language corrections to the town Board.
Mr. Strand seconded and the motion was carried unanimously
Next regular meeting scheduled for October 10, 2017 at 7:00 P.M.
Chip Warner motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Pat Rice.
All in favor yes (5) No (0)
Meeting adjourned at 8:15PM
Stephanie Gibbs
Deputy Town Clerk
