Planning commission advances Title 17 amendments on solar farms and rooftop arrays after debate over community‑scale provisions

The City of Danforth Planning Commission on Oct. 14 moved forward a set of proposed amendments to Title 17 of the Danforth Municipal Code (ORD 25‑02) to regulate solar installations, including utility‑scale solar as a principal use and freestanding and building‑mounted solar arrays as accessory uses. Commissioners voted in favor of advancing the proposed code changes by roll call.

Planning staff presented a redrafted use matrix and new standards after council and commission feedback. Matt Wordridge, planning staff, said the revision removes “community‑scale” as a principal use for the time being and treats any solar project proposed as a principal use as a utility‑scale solar energy system regardless of acreage. Wordridge said the change was intended to allow the commission and council to advance more parts of the code while pausing consideration of broader community‑scale allowances until regulators and policymakers are ready.

Key provisions in the draft ordinance…