Princeton HPC approves rooftop solar at 33 Lee Avenue after debate over visibility in Witherspoon‑Jackson district

The Princeton Historic Preservation Commission on an administrative application approved rooftop solar panels for 33 Lee Avenue, a house located in the Witherspoon‑Jackson Historic District.

The applicant, Abel Smith, sought permission under the Princeton Land Use Ordinance to mount a mostly dormer‑mounted array of 14 panels (6 kilowatts total), with two panels placed on the original pyramidal roof that could be visible from some points on the street. The commission voted to approve the application by roll call.

Why it matters: The house sits inside the Witherspoon‑Jackson overlay, where changes visible from the public right of way trigger preservation review. The decision illustrates the commission weighing the town’s historic‑preservation standards against residents’ interest in on‑site renewable energy and the Princeton Climate Action Plan goals referenced by the applicant.

Elizabeth (staff member) summarized the application and the commission’s typical concerns, noting the site is in the R‑9T zone and is designated “type 2” for preservation review. She described the proposed system and…