ATHOL — Proposed zoning bylaw amendments and applicability provisions for ground-mounted solar photovoltaic installations were reviewed and discussed in depth at the Board of Planning and Community Development meeting Wednesday night. A public hearing was also held on proposed amendments to the Athol zoning bylaw pertaining to home occupations.
Residents Lori Kay and William Hogan, who suggested the temporary solar moratorium approved by voters at a special town meeting in July, and Town Planner Eric Smith, produced solar bylaw requirements and amendments as well as questions for the planning board to answer before the meeting. The Board approved of the added “Purpose” language, which reads, “The provisions set forth in this section shall apply to the construction, operation, maintenance and/or repair, and environmental effects of ground-mounted solar photovoltaic installations.”
The proposed bylaws include applicability, special permit granting authority, requirements for the applicant, and design standards. Also included, site plan review criteria, site control, operation and maintenance plan, utility notification, emergency services, monitoring and maintenance, modifications, abandonment and decommissioning, financial surety, taxes or payment in lieu of taxes, utility connections, cost of outside expertise and waivers. Rules & Regulations were added during the meeting.
Prior to the meeting, BPCD members were asked to submit their opinions about restrictions in residential zones, maximum acreage for any large solar installation, acreage, square footage, or power rating as the means to define large solar, limits on clear cutting forests, restrictions on slopes, protection of ridge lines and scenic vistas, and if solar installations should be located where they can’t be seen.
Input based on the responses included a suggestion to consider limiting the amount of megawatts, interest in finding out what the footprint would be, and whether fencing is required.
Hogan said they included the question about whether solar installations should be located where they cannot be seen, whether by natural conditions, screening or buffers, was because, “if you don’t see it you don’t know how big it is.”
Board member Marc Morgan asked, “do we know, as a community, if there is any real strong value having them put in place?” Hogan responded it is, citing global warming. Resident Mary Holtorf said she wondered how much should be committed to the Residence C zone being solar.
The board will continue discussions on the solar bylaws at the next meeting.
In other business, the board reviewed and approved to recommend warrant articles 1,2, 6 and 7 for the Annual Town Meeting on Oct. 21. The articles include an update of zoning language that would allow Kyle Dorow of 124 Glendale Ave. to used his garage for auto repair services as an accessory home occupation in the Residential-C Zoning District, subject to a Special Permit. The amendment to the Home Occupations bylaw adds “Light Service,” “General Repairs,” “Home-based Internet Business,” and “Computer/Software Repair” to the list of home occupation uses.
The board approved of the Special Permit application by Root 2 Naturals, LLC for a licensed marijuana establishment located at 201 Daniel Shays Highway.
The next Board of Planning and Community Development meeting will be held Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall.