Planning commission tables request for ground‑mounted solar array at 5916 Main Street pending neighbor input and additional visuals

The Sylvania Municipal Planning Commission on Aug. 13 voted to table a petition (SUP3-2025) seeking a special‑use permit to allow fixed‑tilt ground‑mounted solar panels on a former tennis court at 5916 Main Street.

The applicants, Benjamin and Amanda Miliron, represented by Cameron Tilkins and Sean Stewart of Bridal/Real Solar, said roof mounting was not feasible because of the house roof condition and that the proposed ground array is intended for self‑consumption. "That is correct," Cameron Tilkins confirmed when the panel asked whether panels were fixed‑tilt and would not track. The applicants said the former tennis-court location is screened by fencing and vegetation; Sean Stewart offered to provide photographs showing existing screening and sightlines.

Commissioners raised concerns about visibility to adjacent properties, the overlay "neighborhood" historic district, and whether existing trees would be removed to increase solar output. "Are they cutting down any trees?" one commissioner asked, noting shading increases the number of panels required. Commissioners asked for photos from the array site, a landscaping plan showing existing and proposed screening, and direct outreach or notices to contiguous neighbors. The applicant, Benjamin Miliron, said the location was chosen to minimize visibility: "we chose this particular site because... it's going to be difficult for anybody to see it... the north side of that area has a fence with windscreen, very tall bushes behind it," Miliron said.

Commissioners noted the city allows roof‑mounted residential solar without a special use permit but requires an SUP for ground‑mounted arrays. Staff said the commission could table the petition so the applicant can supply additional materials; commissioners voted to table the application to the next meeting to allow the applicant to provide photos, a landscape plan and evidence of neighbor outreach.

The action does not prejudge final approval; if the commission forwards a favorable recommendation to council, a public hearing there would follow. Commissioners noted that if the commission recommends denial, council would need a supermajority to overturn that action. The record shows the commission voted to table pending additional information.