The second reading, public hearing and potential final adoption of the ordinance is scheduled for council’s Feb. 25 meeting.
Mt. Laurel Township Council is looking to “recharge” the rules governing solar energy systems in town.
Officials used a portion of last week’s council meeting to introduce an ordinance amending township code to allow ground-mounted solar energy systems for residential districts.
Currently, township code only permits the installation of solar energy systems in the form of rooftop solar arrays.
As outlined in the ordinance, the rules would establish performance standards for ground-mounted solar energy systems, while also discouraging sites that are “visually intrusive” to their surrounding community.
Per the proposed ordinance, any potential ground-mounted solar energy systems could not be located within a front yard of a property or be located beyond the front wall of a property’s principal building.
In addition, no lot would be allowed to have more than 50 percent of its coverage of the rear year used for the structures.
In addition, ground-mounted solar arrays will not be allowed to exceed more than 400 square feet or half the size of the principal structure’s rooftop — whichever is smaller.
Any ground-mounted solar arrays must also comply with any setback requirements of the pre-existing zone, and those arrays exceeding six feet in height will require an additional two feet from the required setback per every additional foot in height of the array.
Keeping with the goal of the ordinance to prevent sites that are “visually intrusive,” all mechanical and electrical equipment not enclosed within a building must be fully screened from view. According to the ordinance, landscaping must be provided to adequately screen the views of the panels.
Surface treatment of the ground cover under the panels must also be provided.
The ordinance also outlines several safety precautions for any potential new solar structures.
Any site must include an external disconnect switch, and the owner of the property must file a map showing the location of that switch with the township’s police and fire departments.
The police and fire departments must also approve the location of the switch prior to installation.
Per the ordinance, sites must also include appropriate warnings and guidance signage, including but not limited to signs indicating the presence of a solar array and the location of the main service disconnect.
In addition, the ordinance requires that emergency access must be maintained.
The ordinance also states that the primary purpose of any solar energy system must be to provide power for the principal use of the property where the system is located. The ordinance states the systems may not be used to generate power for commercial purposes or for resale.
In addition, the ordinance allows Mt. Laurel Township the right to remove any solar energy system the township determines is improperly constructed, improperly maintained or poses an imminent public safety hazard.
The second reading, public hearing and potential final adoption of the ordinance and its proposed changes is scheduled for council’s Feb. 25 meeting.
