Susie Schaetzle, Bourbon Building Commissioner and Zoning Enforcement Officer, updated the Bourbon Town Council during the regular meeting in March.
Schaetzle informed the council that Solar Panel Ordinance 2024-03 was sent over by Bourbon Town Council Attorney Alex Hoover. The corrections that were needed were included in the updated ordinance. A fine was added at the end of the ordinance to make the ordinance more enforceable; Hoover offered to alter the fee schedule if needed.
The purpose of the ordinance is intended to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the community while accommodating growing energy needs for residents and businesses. The Planning Commission recently undertook a study of neighboring communities and their ordinances regarding solar panels. After that review, the Town of Bourbon desired to adopt an ordinance which would advance the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission offered recommendations within the Solar Energy Systems Ordinance that defines intent, authority, public purpose, types and sizes of solar energy systems, general approval standards, height, lot coverage, drainage, permitting, abandonment and decommissioning requirements. The Council wanted time to review the ordinance. They approved a motion to table the ordinance in order to take it under advisement and will address it at the April meeting.
Schaetzle also updated the Council that the Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) met on Monday, March 11. The Plan Commission has continued work on updating the Ordinance Book. They have recently completed Chapter 3 and will present that portion to the Council at the April meeting for approval of the recommended changes.
The BZA had no public hearings. The group met to discuss job descriptions with new members and share the goals of what the BZA does.
Patty Kitch was appointed by the Marshall County Commissioners to be on the Plan Commission. She agreed to take the position. Schaetzle requested approval of Kitch; the Council approved Kitch for the two mile representative and Commissioner appointee.
