The Marshall County Commissioners adopted an amendment to the zoning ordinance concerning solar energy systems. According to the amendment, a solar energy system is a device that captures daylight for “interior lighting or provide for the collection, storage, or distribution of solar energy for space heating, space cooling, electricity generation, or water heating.”
Plan Director Ralph Booker explained that he and Building Commissioner Chuck DeWitt have gotten permit requests for solar energy systems in Bremen. There wasn’t much to the permitting process or the zoning requirement for the systems, but a public hearing was held Monday morning to set regulations.
The ordinance covers the intent, public purpose, and authority for the installation of micro, small, medium, and large solar energy systems. It discusses setback and height requirements, a site plan and permits available.
While the ordinance regulates the installation of the solar energy systems, it also covers responsibility if the equipment is abandoned or decommissioned. The commissioners suggested a bond be added when a permit is requested, but that language will be discussed by the plan commission for another amendment at their next meeting and then brought before the commissioners again for approval.
Booker said he received an anonymous call about building a 100-acre solar energy system and thought it would be best if this ordinance was in place in order to regulate such projects. A general inquiry was made and it’s not known if that project will move forward.
There was no public comment during the public hearing.
The commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance on the first reading. They then suspended the rules and approved it on all three readings.
Booker said solar energy system zoning ordinance amendments with identical language will be presented to the Plymouth City Council and the Culver Town Council members for their consideration.
