Minutes 05-08-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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