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6 <br /> RESPONSE: Mr. Williams indicated it is possible farm animals may be allowed to <br /> graze on the property to address the height of the grass. Otherwise grass would <br /> be mowed and maintained by Strata Solar to keep the grass down. <br /> • A Planning Board member expressed concern over statements contained on the site plan, <br /> and comments made by Mr. Post, relating to the project utilizing a single phase utility line to <br /> tie into existing Duke Power lines. It was believed that the use of a single phase line would <br /> not be adequate. <br /> RESPONSE: Mr. Williams said Strata Solar staff met with Duke Power officials on <br /> site on May 29, 2012 to review development of the array and that an existing three <br /> phased power line along White Cross Road would be used to tie the project into <br /> an adjacent substation. <br /> Please refer to Attachment 2 for additional information. <br /> • A representative of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Chamber of Commerce spoke in favor of the <br /> project. <br /> Staff Analysis: At the public hearing, staff indicated the project complied with the various provisions <br /> of the UDO, including: <br /> 1. The application has been deemed complete in accordance with the requirements of <br /> Section 2.7 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). <br /> 2. Staff has determined that the leased area of the property is of sufficient size to support <br /> the proposed solar array. <br /> 3. Staff is satisfied that the proposed landscaping complies with the provisions of Section <br /> 6.8 of the UDO. <br /> 4. Comments received from various County agencies (i.e. Sheriff, Fire Marshal, DEAPR, <br /> Orange County Health, State Clearing House) indicate there are no concerns associated <br /> with the request. <br /> 5. Staff made the determination that a formal Environmental Impact Statement would not be <br /> required per Section 6.18 of the UDO. <br /> 6. The applicant had submitted sufficient documentation denoting compliance with specific <br /> development standards for a public utility as detailed within Section 5.9.3 of the UDO. <br /> 7. The proposal is consistent with the various goals outlined within the Comprehensive Plan <br /> concerning development, including: <br /> a. Natural and Cultural Systems Goal 1: Energy conservation, sustainable use of <br /> non-polluting renewable energy resources, efficient use of non-renewable energy <br /> resources and clean air. <br /> b. Objective AE-15: Foster participation in green energy programs such as <br /> installation incentives for solar hot water/solar generation/solar tempering in <br /> residential or commercial construction. The County should develop programs that <br /> will link citizens and businesses with options for alternative and sustainable energy <br /> sources. <br /> c. Objective AG-8: Encourage the use and production of natural fuel alternatives to <br /> petroleum based products and pursue new types of energy sources. <br />