Agenda - 09-12-2016 - C.1 - Class A Special Use Permit - Solar Array off US Highway 70 in Cheeks Township

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179 • Patrick Mallett briefly reviewed the documents attendees received via mail and/or at the entrance to the meeting room (e.g., the revised site plan, the site assessment for the property, the meeting schedule for Class A Special Use Permits, and a fact sheet about the Special Use Permit process). The proposed solar array falls under the Class A Special Use Permit (SUP) category. Presentation from Brian Quinlan with Calvert Energy • Calvert Energy and ESA Renewables, LLC are the applicants for this project. Brian Quinlan represented Calvert Energy and gave a PowerPoint presentation about the project. • Calvert Energy and ESA Renewables, LLC have both been in business for more than 30 years. • The applicants are leasing 27.3 acres of a 52.1 acre parcel off of US Hwy 70. The parcel belongs to Carl Mace, Sr. of 916 Mace Road, and has been owned by the Mace family for over 50 years. The Mace family runs a business at the southern end of the property along US Hwy 70; there will be an access easement established on this property to the solar farm. • The Mace family has been trying to figure out what to do with the remainder of the parcel, which is flanked by a chain of ponds and contains wetlands and floodplain. The solar array fits well with the Mace's plan because it is low-impact and will not interfere with their business operation to the south. • In addition, Brian Quinlan stated the low-impact nature of the solar array project aligns with the current zoning for the property (Rural Residential). • The project will not require water and sewer. • Once established, the solar arrays will be a fully functioning system without on-sight personnel needed. • The leased land will be maintained seasonally, or more often, as needed. The solar panels will be cleaned; water for cleaning will be brought from off-site. • Patrick Mallett, Current Planning, clarified that the applicants have recorded a variable- width easement to access the leased portion of the property. • Brian Quinlan, Calvert Energy, added that there will be a six month construction period during which neighbors will see activity. After that, there will be very little traffic to the site. • Mr. Quinlan then addressed the general standards with which the SUP proposals must comply. More specifically, the proposal must maintain and/or enhance the following: o Public health, safety, and general welfare; o The value of contiguous property; and o The character and harmony of the area in which the proposal is located. • On August 3, 2016, the Planning Board will hear factual evidence and sworn testimony from the applicant and the surrounding property owners (if applicable). The Planning Board will then make Findings of Fact (i.e., state if the applicant's proposal meets the required standards) based on the evidence presented. The Planning Board will recommend approval or denial based on these findings, and the decision will be provided to the BOCC during the Public Hearing scheduled for November 21, 2016. • Public Health, Safety, and General Welfare: o Mr. Quinlan said all wiring and equipment meets local, state, and federal codes. o The site will be fenced (chain-link fence and barbed wire) with a single locked access point. 2