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Council adopts 24-foot limit for residential solar trackers; appeals route remains
Summary
The Cumberland Town Council on March 24 amended the solar-energy ordinance to cap tracker and ground-mounted systems at 24 feet and align solar setbacks with principal-structure setbacks. Supporters framed the change as neighborhood protection; residents and installers flagged concerns about technology limits and permitting costs.
Cumberland — The Town Council voted unanimously on March 24 to revise the town’s solar-energy rules, setting a 24-foot maximum height for roof- and ground-mounted systems and directing that solar setbacks match principal-structure setbacks in each zoning district.
Why it matters: The change responds to a recent track-mounted installation that neighbors said created unanticipated visual impacts. Councilors and committee members said the amendment aims to preserve neighborhood scale while keeping lawful routes for larger installations available.
What changed
- Height limit: The update sets a maximum of 24 feet above average finished grade for roof-mounted, ground-mounted and pole-mounted solar systems. The amendment states that height is measured “at maximum functional capacity as specified by the manufacturer,” and it preserves an administrative route for applicants to seek relief through the Board of Appeals for larger systems.
- Setbacks: Residential solar systems must meet the same front, side and rear setbacks that apply to the principal structure in the same zoning district.
Public comments and industry concerns
Several residents and installers spoke during a public hearing. A resident who had installed a new tracker said the ordinance would preclude some newer tracker technology that provides better winter production at steeper tilt angles and warned of high permitting fees in Cumberland. Another commenter said the Board of Appeals remains available for applicants seeking greater heights on larger parcels and urged clearer screening standards.
Council discussion
Ordinance committee members told the council the 24-foot cap was intended as a compromise that balances property owners’ rights to generate local energy and neighbors’ concerns about scale and views. Councilors also noted the broader policy context: new state and regional programs and rapidly changing solar technologies.
Outcome: The council adopted the amendment as recommended by the ordinance committee; the vote was unanimous.
Ending: Councilors and staff said they expect to monitor technology and policy changes and may revisit the ordinance as new system designs or state rules evolve.
