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36 <br /> • <br /> STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA BEFORE THE BOARD OF <br /> COMMISSIONERS AND PLANNING <br /> BOARD <br /> COUNTY OF ORANGE <br /> SPECIAL USE PERMIT ) <br /> APPLICATION FOR A ) AFFIDAVIT OF <br /> SOLAR FARM ) RICHARD C. KIRKLAND, MAI <br /> NOW COMES the undersigned Affiant, who, being first duly sworn deposes and says: <br /> 1. I am over eighteen(18) years of age and competent to testify to the matters set <br /> forth in this Affidavit. <br /> 2. I am a licensed North Carolina real estate appraiser with an MAI Designation, <br /> actively practicing in this area for 13 years. A copy of my report and qualifications is <br /> attached to this affidavit as Exhibit A. <br /> 3. The property owner proposes to construct a solar farm on 53.31± acres of the <br /> 121.21±acres that comprise the greater property. The solar farm will consist of fixed <br /> solar panels that generate no noise, no smell and less traffic than one typical residential <br /> dwelling. The solar panels will be approximately seven feet (7') in height,much lower <br /> than the typical house. <br /> 4. I inspected the property and the immediate neighborhood as a part of my <br /> evaluation. The portion of the property proposed for the solar farm is currently vacant <br /> and used for agricultural purposes. A small portion of the larger tract is used for a mobile <br /> home park, and the remainder of tract is vacant and used for agricultural purposes. The <br /> owner intends to continue the mobile home use and expects no negative impacts. <br /> 5. As a part of my study, I conducted research through the Appraisal Institute and <br /> other sources regarding the impact of a solar farm on adjacent properties. I found nothing <br /> to suggest a negative impact. <br /> 6. I visited a solar farm constructed by Strata Solar south of the Governor's Club on <br /> Farrington Point Road in Chatham County,North Carolina. I found the property <br /> attractive. The view of the solar farm was not generally visible from the road. What could <br /> be seen reminded me of a shorter greenhouse without the associated odor of fertilizer <br /> normally accompanying greenhouses. <br /> 7. I looked at the specific adjacent parcels of land surrounding this proposed solar <br /> farm. The property is surrounded by farm land, mobile homes and single-family <br /> residences, which, I believe are compatible uses. <br />