Planning commission approves solar array at 8911 Lincoln after finding street‑facing restriction impractical

The Huntington Woods Planning Commission approved a site plan allowing a 39‑panel rooftop solar system at 8911 Lincoln Drive after concluding the property's three‑street orientation left no viable non‑street‑facing roof area sufficient for the homeowner’s energy needs.

Homeowner Shobh, who identified themself as “the homeowner and resident, at, 8911 Lincoln Drive,” told commissioners the house sits on a peninsula lot with street frontage on Lincoln, Wyoming and Huntington, leaving only a short south‑facing flat portion of roof suitable for a few panels. Shobh and installer Joseph Nagel of Strawberry Solar said the proposed 17‑kilowatt system would cover roughly 47% of the household’s typical electricity consumption and use black, low‑reflectivity panels mounted close to the roof. Nagel said the flush‑mounted array would sit “less than 5 inches” above the roof.

Planning staff and commissioners discussed Section 40‑9.03 of the zoning code, which states that flush‑mount solar panels “shall be located on a rear or side facing roof which do not front any street.” Commissioner Pete summarized the ordinance language and noted the applicant’s unique lot configuration. Pete said the applicant’s lot “fronts every street,” leaving only a small roof area that would not face a street and that would yield negligible generation. Commissioners agreed the Wyoming‑facing elevation was the least visible option and would achieve meaningful energy production while minimizing neighborhood visual impact. Shobh said four immediately bordering neighbors provided written support and staff reported DTE has issued a conditional interconnection approval, pending final inspection and permitting.

Based on the applicant’s presentation and neighbor input, a commissioner moved to find the front and rear installations “ineffective or impractical” and to approve the site plan as proposed on the west/Wyoming side. The commission voted in favor of approval; the motion included no requirement for a battery storage system, though the installer said a plug‑and‑play battery could be added later.

The commission noted that the applicant must proceed with the building permit and DTE interconnection process and that final installation must conform to structural engineering verification already completed. The installer said a third‑party firm had performed load calculations and confirmed the roof structure could support the proposed array. DTE’s final inspection and sign‑off will be required for the homeowner to secure the residential solar tax credit before the end of the year, a timeline the applicant cited during the presentation.

Commissioners also discussed a letter from a resident in the notice area opposing the project; the commission recorded that at least four abutting neighbors had submitted letters of support.