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Presentation on solar array at airport prompts planning board to consider zoning updates for large arrays in rural-agricultural district
Summary
A presenter described a proposed solar array inside the airport fence (about 23 acres); the planning board discussed whether solar should be treated as a conditional/allowed use in rural-agricultural zoning or whether a variance or zoning amendment is required.
A presentation at the May 8 meeting described a proposed solar array within the fenced airport property and prompted the Swansea Planning Board to discuss how large ground-mounted solar arrays should be regulated in the town’s rural-agricultural district.
The presenter said the array would sit within the fenced airport property and estimated the site area at about 23 acres. Board members and staff discussed whether ground-mounted solar arrays in the rural-agricultural district are best treated as a use requiring a variance, a conditional (special) use, or whether they fit within existing uses such as manufacturing or industrial uses. Several board members said past arrays had crossed district lines and that the town lacks a clear, adopted standard specific to large solar arrays.
Planning staff said the ordinance language, read literally, may require a variance in residential districts, and that rural-agricultural zoning contains language allowing industrial- or utility-like uses under special exception provisions. Staff recommended that the board consider writing a specific solar use into the zoning — either as a conditional use with defined conditions or as a clarified permitted use — and suggested consulting the town’s land use board (recorded in the transcript as “CBA”) or Zoning Board of Adjustment for interpretation before taking action.
No formal regulatory action was taken. Staff signaled intent to prepare draft language for the board to consider and to run interpretations by the town board that issues zoning interpretations. Board members suggested a joint discussion with the zoning board to clarify how similar proposals have been handled in the past and whether ordinance revisions are warranted if the town expects more large-scale solar proposals in rural areas.
The board also discussed operational questions (e.g., fencing and siting inside the airport fence, proximity to airport operations) and asked staff and the presenter to return with more detailed site and regulatory proposals if the applicant proceeds.
