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Planning commission approves Garvey site plan for three ground-mounted solar panels in scenic overlay
Summary
A site plan for a small, ground-mounted accessory solar system on a 4-acre property in Lake County’s Scenic Conservation Overlay was approved; staff and the property owner said the panels are black, 14 feet tall and sited to minimize visual impacts.
The Lake County Planning Commission approved a site-plan review for an accessory ground-mounted solar energy system on a 4-acre property owned by David Garvey in southern Lake County.
Staff stated the property is in the Scenic Conservation Overlay and that the application is for three ground-mounted solar arrays, each approximately 17 by 15 feet and about 14 feet tall, placed about 20 feet north of the existing house. Staff said the panels will be black to reduce visibility and recommended approval, noting the installation is below the 25-foot height threshold and sized to meet a portion of the residence’s electrical needs.
Property owner David Garvey and his solar contractor participated in the hearing. Garvey told commissioners the home roof is not engineered to carry the arrays and that ground mounting achieves better solar orientation. Garvey said the site lacks utility service and will use a generator (GenSet) as backup, with the GenSet and its fuel tank behind the building and not visible from the road.
Commissioners and members of the public raised questions about visual screening and whether painting concrete pedestals or support poles a camouflaging color would further reduce visibility. Staff agreed pedestals could be painted a nondistracting color if desired, but several commissioners noted the panels are small relative to the overall site and are unlikely to be conspicuous from the roadway.
After discussion, the planning commission approved the Garvey site plan. Staff said no additional special conditions were required aside from standard findings and that a suggested motion for approval is in the staff report.
