01/15/2020 PLANNING BOARD Minutes

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Article To see if the Town will vote to add new section 174-45.7: Solar Energy System to the Mashpee Zoning Bylaw as follows: Solar Energy Systems A. Small scale 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 1-1 districts provided that the system complies with the setback requirements typical of the zoning district B. Any medium or large scale solar energy system shall require 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 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, subject to approval by the Plan Review Committee. C. 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 forming part of a ground-mounted solar energy system shall be constructed in accordance with the Massachusetts State Building Code. D. The solar energy system's owner or operator shall maintain the facility 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 local 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,access road(s). E. Medium and Large Scale Solar Energy Systems shall comply with the following dimensional criteria: 1. Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall be set back a distance of at least 50 feet from a public way. The Planning Board may reduce the minimum setback distance as appropriate based on site- specific considerations. 2. 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 the primary living structure and not accessory uses. The Planning Board may reduce the minimum setback distance as appropriate based on site-specific considerations.