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Planning commission reviews application for 2‑MW community solar array in McHenry
Summary
An engineering firm has applied for a special exception to build a 2-megawatt community solar array on 13.5 acres at 465 Paso Road; commissioners reviewed setback, height, glare and notification requirements and did not decide the application at the June 4 meeting.
Garrett County Planning Commission members reviewed an application for a community-scale solar energy generating system proposed for 465 Paso Road in McHenry and discussed compliance with Deep Creek Watershed standards, site screening, and notice to adjoining property owners.
A representative for the applicant was identified in the packet as Thrasher Engineering on behalf of UGE and property owners Alexander and Catarina, according to the planning staff presentation. The staff member said the project’s leased area totals about 13.5 acres and the planned capacity is roughly 2 megawatts.
Under Deep Creek Watershed standards cited by staff, community solar projects must show a 100-foot setback from property boundaries, a maximum panel or structure height of 20 feet, screening from adjoining properties and measures to avoid creating glare that would constitute a nuisance to neighboring parcels or travelers on nearby roads. The staff member said the applicant submitted a glare study and that the panels include anti-reflective coatings; the study concluded glare was not anticipated to be a substantive issue for neighboring areas.
Commissioners asked about proximity to airport flight zones and whether the project falls inside any airport height-restriction rings; staff said the project’s maximum height of 20 feet meant it likely would not trigger airport zone concerns but that they would double-check. The staff member also said the applicant had added about 2.5 acres to the leased area to preserve existing tree coverage and improve buffering.
Notice procedures for special exceptions in the county were reviewed: certified mailings to adjoining property owners, a property posting and a two-week newspaper notice, all required under the county zoning ordinance. The staff member confirmed those notifications had been sent.
No formal recommendation or vote by the planning commission on the special exception was recorded at the June 4 meeting; the matter will proceed to the Board of Zoning Appeals where the planning commission may provide an advisory opinion.
Commissioners asked staff to verify airport-zone boundaries and to continue reviewing the application materials for compliance with Deep Creek Watershed and county zoning standards prior to the zoning board hearing.
