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Council approves conditional use for rooftop solar arrays at Wexford property
Summary
Council granted conditional-use approval for roof-mounted solar arrays on two accessory sheds at 2644 State Game Lands Road, contingent on compliance with building and zoning staff conditions; planning commission had recommended approval with conditions.
Franklin Park Borough council approved a conditional-use application June 18 allowing rooftop solar panels on two accessory sheds at 2644 State Game Lands Road in the R‑1 zoning district.
The applicant, Carol Mandera, and her son, Tom Mandera (who the applicant identified as the family’s solar expert), described the project as a grid‑tied microinverter system without batteries that will reduce electricity costs for the family property; the panels will be mounted on two existing outbuildings (a 12×12 shed and a 25×15 shed). The planning commission had recommended approval at its May 20 meeting, subject to conditions in the staff report.
Staff listed preliminary exhibits into the record, including the revised application, relevant zoning ordinance sections relating to solar (zoning text exhibits submitted with the application), proof of publication and neighbors’ notices. The application packet noted the larger shed would not exceed the 75% coverage requirement that the planning commission recommended; the applicant agreed to reduce the coverage from an 80% target to the 75% allowed by staff and the commission.
Council then moved to approve conditional-use application CU‑25‑05‑01, contingent on compliance with the building inspector/zoning officer staff report dated May 27, 2025; the motion was seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote. The borough advised the applicant she would receive written confirmation and the staff report copy the following day and that next steps include building and electrical permits.
Why this matters: The decision allows small-scale, accessory-building solar installations on a 9.53‑acre family property in a residential zone, using roof-mounted, grid‑tied panels without batteries, and it enforces the planning commission and staff conditions before permitting and construction stages.
Next steps: Applicant must obtain building and electrical permits and comply with any conditions in the staff report before installation may begin.
