North Smithfield zoning board approves special-use permit for ground-mounted solar at 61 Reservoir Road

The North Smithfield Zoning Board of Review approved a special-use permit Tuesday for a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array at 61 Reservoir Road.

The board voted to approve application ZBR‑24‑03 (also referenced in the meeting as ZVR‑2403) after deliberating that the proposed array met the zoning criteria for a special‑use accessory to a single‑family residence. Miss Benoit moved to approve the application; Mister Marcantonio seconded. The board recorded affirmative roll‑call votes for Mister Dejarian, Mister Mostyn, Mister Marcantonio, Miss Benoit and Mister Gill; the motion carried and the permit was approved.

Board members said the application met the zoning review items required for special use permits, including access for emergency responders, lack of off‑street parking or loading impacts, refuse/service considerations and screening. The board noted the site plan (sheet PV2) included an on‑site battery, a conduit feed to a nearby utility pole, and distances from the array to nearby water features. The board discussed the plan and the town’s notification requirements, and said the required water commissions had been directly mailed notice.

“Nick Balzano, property manager for 61 Reservoir Road, had nothing to add,” the record shows. Balzano told the board, “I have nothing to add unless you have further questions on it.”

In reviewing the special‑use criteria, the board found: - Ingress and egress: The array is sited with adequate access and will not impede emergency response to the residence. - Off‑street parking/loading and nuisance effects: The board determined noise, glare, odor and parking are not applicable or are unlikely to adversely affect nearby properties. - Utilities: The plan shows an electrical conduit to a nearby utility pole and on‑site batteries; the board noted that larger systems would require written approval from National Grid or Eversource and that the applicant must obtain any required utility approvals before a building permit is issued. - Screening/buffering: Existing tree lines and proposed siting limit visibility of the array from the reservoir and the street, the board said.

The board also placed on the record a confirmation letter from Freedom Forever Massachusetts, LLC (South Shore branch) stating that certified mailed notices had been sent directly to the town’s water commissions in compliance with section 6.19. The board reported receiving no written objections from the three water bodies notified.

The approval was recorded without conditions in the motion language. The board noted that written utility approval would be required by the building official prior to permitting and that National Grid or Eversource would need to confirm any required load authorization.

The board closed deliberation after members said the revised site plan addressed the items they had requested at the prior hearing and voted to approve the special‑use permit.