Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
Article 5: Uses 34 <br /> Section 5.10: Standards for Telecommunication Facilities <br /> (c) Individual arrays/solar panels shall be designed and located in order to <br /> prevent reflective glare toward any inhabited buildings on adjacent <br /> properties as well as adjacent street rights-of-way. <br /> (d) A clearly visible warning sign concerning voltage must be placed at the <br /> base of all pad-mounted transformers and substations. <br /> (e) All mechanical equipment of principal solar energy systems including any <br /> structure for batteries or storage cells, shall be completely enclosed by a <br /> minimum eight (8) foot high fence with a self-locking pate, and provided <br /> with screening in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.8. <br /> (f) The applicant shall submit proof of liability insurance covering bodily <br /> injury and property damage demonstrating a minimum coverage limit of$ <br /> 500,000.00 per occurrence. <br /> (g) A Type D Land Use Buffer shall be provided along any portion of the <br /> perimeter of the parcel, easement, or leasehold area located adjacent to <br /> Property zoned, or otherwise utilized for, residential use except where <br /> such property is owned, leased or consists of other utility easements <br /> currently used for electrical distribution or transmission purposes. <br /> Existing vegetation may be used to satisfy the landscaping requirements. <br /> (3) Decommissioning <br /> The applicant agrees to the following as conditions in case the utility is to be <br /> abandoned: <br /> (a) The owner/operator of the facility is required to notify the Orange County <br /> Planning Director in writing 60 days prior to planned the cessation or <br /> abandonment of the facility for any reason. This notice shall provide the <br /> exact date when the use of the facility will cease. <br /> (b) Documentation shall be provided indicating that the public utility <br /> purchasing the power has been made aware of the decision. <br /> (c) The facility shall be removed within 12 months from the date the <br /> applicant ceases use of the facility. <br /> (d) Once the infrastructure is removed the property, the owner shall obtain <br /> the necessary Erosion Control permits to re-stabilize the property. The <br /> time frame for completion shall be determined by the Orange County <br /> Erosion Control Officer. <br /> (e) The owner shall provide financial security in form and amount acceptable <br /> to the County to secure the expense of dismantling and removing said <br /> structures. <br /> (f) Upon removal of the facility, the Department shall cause a notice to be <br /> recorded within the Orange County Registrar of Deeds office indicating <br /> that the Class A Special Use Permit has been revoked. <br /> 5.10.1 Intent <br /> The regulations contained herein are designed to provide for the safe and efficient integration of <br /> facilities necessary for the provision of advanced wireless telecommunications services through <br /> the community with the goal of establishing reliable wireless service to the public, governmental <br /> system to potentially be located on property where there are existing land uses. A solar array-public utility is <br /> considered to be a principal use of property. <br /> Orange County, North Carolina—Unified Development Ordinance Page 5-81 <br />