Owner Hewitt seeks variance for solar panel setback on Montgomery Road property

A significant variance request took center stage at the Maricopa County Board of Adjustment Hearing on April 29, 2025, as property owner Jeffrey Hewitt sought approval to reduce the south setback on his Hewlett property to zero feet. This request is crucial for the installation of a ground-mounted solar panel system aimed at generating on-site power.

Currently, the minimum required setback in the rural 43 zoning district is 40 feet, but due to recent adjustments by the Maricopa County Department of Transportation (McDOT), the effective setback has been reduced to 65 feet. Hewitt's proposal would further decrease this to just 25 feet, allowing for the solar installation while preserving the natural landscape and minimizing disruption to the surrounding area.

Hewitt emphasized the unique challenges posed by the property’s terrain, which slopes toward the Verde River and includes a flood zone that complicates development. He argued that the south side of the lot is the most suitable location for the solar panels, as it would require less alteration of the land and would be less intrusive to neighbors.

The board members were receptive to the proposal, with no immediate questions raised during the hearing. If granted, this variance would not only facilitate renewable energy production but also align with the intent of the rural zoning regulations by maintaining the integrity of the property’s natural features.

As the hearing concluded, the board's decision on this variance could set a precedent for future renewable energy projects in the area, highlighting the balance between development and environmental preservation.