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I Township - Public Hearing Closure and Action (No Additional Comments from <br />2 the Public or Applicant Accepted) <br />3 The Board received the Planning Board recommendation, closed the public hearing, and <br />4 considered a decision on a Class A Special Use Permit (hereafter `SUP') application submitted <br />5 by Strata Solar and Stout Farms LLC proposing the development of a solar array in accordance <br />6 with Section 2.7 Special Use Permits and Section 5.9.6 (C) Solar Array- Public Utility of the <br />7 Orange County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). <br />8 Chair Jacobs noted that this is a public hearing that does not include public comment. <br />9 Michael Harvey presented the abstract and included attachments and public hearing <br />10 excerpts, to enter as part of the record. <br />11 <br />12 A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier, seconded by Commissioner Rich, to <br />13 accept the submitted materials. <br />14 <br />15 VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />16 <br />17 Michael Harvey reviewed the PowerPoint slide and the manager's recommendations as <br />18 follows: <br />19 <br />20 - Erect individual solar array panels on both properties (52 acres). <br />21 - Typical array is between 7 and 9 feet in height, with approximately 2 to 3 feet of ground <br />22 clearance and approximately 63 feet in length. <br />23 - Arrays will be screened by combination of existing and new vegetation. <br />24 - An 8 foot high chain link security fence shall enclose the perimeter of the array to <br />25 prevent access, <br />26 - Gravel paths shall be installed to afford access to technicians. <br />27 <br />28 Commissioner Price asked if the chain link fence will be visible to the residents next <br />29 door. <br />30 Michael Harvey said no, and he showed the location of the fence on the map. He said <br />31 staff has also met with the owner of the neighboring property to make sure all of her concerns <br />32 regarding the buffer are addressed. <br />33 Chair Jacobs said the recommendations note that the applicant will submit a formal <br />34 landscaping and tree preservation plan. He asked if this has been submitted. <br />35 Michael Harvey said this has already been submitted. He said there must be a storm <br />36 water and erosion control plan in place before clearing. <br />37 Chair Jacobs said the Strata Solar site near White Cross did not look buffered, and he <br />38 can see the entire property from the road without impediment. He encouraged staff to make <br />39 sure that regulations are followed with this project. <br />40 John Roberts said the Board is limited to consideration of the project at hand in this <br />41 decision making process. <br />42 Commissioner Dorosin asked if Chair Jacobs has information that the property is <br />43 already being cleared in advance of the special use permit. <br />44 Commissioner Price said the neighbors say clearing has occurred or there is activity at <br />45 the site. <br />46 Michael Harvey said, according to the applicant, only soil testing has been done. <br />47 John Roberts said any information received outside of the fact finding process should <br />48 not be considered in the determination of this matter. <br />49 Michael Harvey said the applicant has removed some trees for soil testing, but there is <br />50 no mass clearing of trees. He said this has been done within the allowed perimeters. <br />