05/02/2022 Annual Town Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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1. Small, Medium and Large Scale Solar Energy Systems may be accessory to another principal structure or use provided that they satisfy the dimensional criteria and performance standards contained in this section. 2. Ground -mounted solar energy systems shall be set back a distance of at least 100 feet from a public or private way. The Planning Board may reduce the minimum setback distance as appropriate based on site -specific considerations. 3. Ground -mounted solar energy systems shall be set back a distance of at least 125 feet from any inhabited residence, and 100 feet from any property in residential use. For the purposes of this section, a residence is defined as a primary living structure and not accessory structures. The Planning Board may reduce the minimum setback distance as appropriate based on site -specific considerations. 4. Ground -mounted solar energy systems shall be set back a distance of at least 50 feet from any commercial property or use and 25 feet from any industrial property or use notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 2 above (relative to medium and large scale solar energy systems). The Planning Board may reduce the minimum setback distance as appropriate based on site -specific considerations. 5. Ground -mounted solar energy systems shall be set back a distance of at least 50 feet from abutting conservation land and any property not included in the Ground -mounted solar array application. The Planning Board may reduce the minimum setback distance as appropriate based on site specific considerations. 6. Fixed tilt Ground -mounted solar energy systems shall have a maximum height of 15 feet above grade. In the case of single or dual axis tracking Ground -mounted solar energy systems, the Planning Board may increase the maximum height as appropriate based on site -specific considerations. 7. Inverters, energy storage systems, and transmission system substations shall be set back a distance of at least 200 feet from any residence. The Planning Board may reduce the minimum setback distance as appropriate based on site -specific conditions. E. Special Permits Rules and Application Requirements A Solar Energy System Special Permit shall not be granted unless each of the following requirements, in addition to the requirements in § 174-24 C Special Permit use, are satisfied: 1. A properly completed and executed application form and application fee. 2. Any requested waivers. To this end, as part of its Special Permit decision, the Planning Board may, at its sole discretion, establish a lot coverage maximum that exceeds 20% in consideration of site specific conditions. 3. Name, address, phone number and signature of the project proponent, as well as all co -proponents or property owners, if any. 4. Names, contact information and signatures of any agents representing the project proponent. 5. Name, address and contact information for proposed system installer. 6. Documentation of actual or prospective access and control of the project site sufficient to allow for construction and operation of the proposed solar energy system. 7. Proposed hours of operation and construction activity. 8. Blueprints or drawings of the solar energy system signed by a Massachusetts' licensed Registered Professional Engineer showing the proposed layout of the system and any potential shading from nearby structures. 9. Utility Notification: Evidence that the utility company that operates the electrical grid where a grid-intertie solar energy system is to be located has been informed of the system owner or operator's intent to install an interconnected facility and acknowledges receipt of such notification, and a copy of an Interconnection Application filed with the utility including a one or three line electrical diagram detailing the solar electric installation, associated components, and electrical interconnection methods, with all Massachusetts Electrical Code (527 CMR§ 12.00) compliant disconnects and overcurrent devices. Off -grid solar energy systems shall be exempt from this requirement. 25