05/01/2023 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - Laserfiche WebLink

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Article 32 To see if the Town will vote to add new section 174-45.7: Solar Energy Systems to the Mashpee Zoning Bylaws as follows: Solar Energy Systems A. Purpose and Intent This section promotes the creation of new small, medium and large-scale, ground -mounted solar energy systems by providing standards for the placement, design, construction, operation, monitoring, modification and removal of such installations that address public safety, minimize impacts on scenic, natural and historic resources and for providing adequate financial assurance for the eventual decommissioning of such installations. This bylaw is adopted pursuant to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Green Communities Act and Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A Section 3. B. General Provisions 1. Small scale ground mounted solar energy systems and roof mounted solar energy systems shall be considered an accessory use allowed as -of -right in the R-3, R-5, C-1, C-2, C-3, and I-1 districts. In issuing a building permit for such a system, the Building Inspector shall ensure that neighboring properties are effectively protected from any adverse impacts arising from glare. 2. Any medium or large-scale solar energy system shall be allowed in the C-1 and C-2 Zoning Districts only after the issuance of a Special Permit by the Planning Board. In issuing such Special Permit, the Board shall ensure that neighboring properties are effectively protected from any significant adverse impacts arising from glare, that any such systems are properly fenced or otherwise secured, and that no hazardous materials are stored in quantities greater than permitted by other sections of this bylaw. 3. Any medium or large-scale solar energy system in the I-1 Industrial Zoning District shall be allowed after review and approval by the Plan Review Committee. 4. The construction and operation of all ground -mounted solar energy systems shall be consistent with all applicable local, state and federal requirements, including but not limited to all applicable safety, construction, electrical, and communications requirements. All buildings and fixtures constituting part of a ground -mounted solar energy system shall be constructed in accordance with all applicable requirements of the Massachusetts State Building Code. 5. The solar energy system's owner or operator shall maintain system facilities in good condition. Maintenance shall include, but not be limited to, painting, structural repairs, and integrity of security measures. Site access shall be maintained to a level acceptable to the Town's Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director. The owner or operator shall be responsible for the cost of maintaining the ground - mounted solar energy system and any related access road(s). 6. No solar energy system may use panels manufactured with per -and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). C. Dimensional Criteria 1. Small Scale Solar Energy Systems 1. Small scale ground mounted systems shall comply with the setback requirements typical of the zoning district and shall not exceed fifteen (15') feet in height. 2. Small scale ground mounted systems shall be exempt from the performance standards defined in Section G of this chapter. 2. Medium and Large Scale Solar Energy Systems a. 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.