The Huntersville Town Board on Sept. 16 unanimously approved a text amendment (TA25-09) to the town's zoning ordinance to allow freestanding solar panels above surface parking lots and to permit solar panels in the front yard of commercial properties.

Planning and zoning staff entered the staff report into the record; the presentation said the amendment was submitted by Burkert USA and recommended for approval by the planning board (8-0) and planning staff. Staff said the amendment would expand opportunities for nonresidential properties to install solar while including language intended to prevent solar installations from becoming nuisances for nearby properties.

An applicant representative from Burkert USA was present; board members thanked the applicant for pursuing sustainability measures and encouraged other businesses to consider similar solutions. There were no public objections recorded during the hearing.

ACTIONS: The motion to approve TA25-09 passed unanimously. The board record notes the amendment is consistent with policy EOS 9.1 of the Huntersville 2040 Community Plan and that staff believes sufficient language was provided in the ordinance to reduce nuisance impacts.

ENDING: With the ordinance change adopted, commercial property owners in Huntersville may now seek permits consistent with the revised Article 9.5.4 language to install freestanding parking-lot solar and front-yard solar panels, subject to any applicable permitting requirements.