CLERMONT TOWN BOARD
WORKSHOP ON ZONING
AUGUST 9, 2016
The Clermont Town Board held a workshop to discuss changes to the zoning ordinance pertaining to Solar Energy Facilities/Solar Farms on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilman Evan Hempel. Councilman Kris Gildersleeve was absent.
There were five members of the Planning Board present, two members of the Zoning Board and three residents.
Supervisor Staats opened the workshop. Local Law No. 1 of 2016, passed on August 1, 2016 established a three (3) month moratorium on Solar Energy Facilities and/or Solar Farms. The current zoning ordinance addresses Solar Energy Ground Equipment and Solar Energy Structural Equipment intended for residential use. The definitions and requirements are not clear when it comes to the larger Solar Energy Facilities/Solar Farms that are for commercial use. The Board would like to address proper setbacks, size of lots, additional screening and the possibility of restricting them in certain zones.
Councilman Desmond would like to add new definitions for solar for commercial use.
Councilman Hempel does not see why the Town is concerned because the zoning does call for screening and the ZBA and Planning Boards have the ability to request more depending on the proposal.
Jessie Cutaia of Hudson Valley Clean Energy explained what the state outlines as under 25 kw for residential, 50 kw to 200 is small commercial and over 200 kw for big commercial. The size of the array isn’t as important as the use provided.
Councilman Desmond said the Local Law describes a solar farm as larger than the ¼ acre to be used offsite.
Supervisor Staats said that our objective is to require screening and setbacks that do not impact the neighbors in a negative way. Jessie Cutaia said that putting in setback requirements from property lines could put it more in view. He asked if the objective is to put these in the best location or to follow the footage requirements?
There was discussion on requiring site visits by the ZBA and Planning Boards, height restrictions, definition of solar farms, primary use and visual EAF (impact assessment).
Larry Saulpaugh would not like to see prime farmland used but does not see how it can be regulated.
A motion was made to adjourn by Councilman Desmond, seconded by Councilwoman Brownson at 8:40 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk