Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Utah County adopts ordinance to permit small ground-mounted residential solar arrays in setbacks
Summary
The Utah County Board of Commissioners approved a text amendment allowing limited ground-mounted residential solar arrays within setback areas, capping height at 12 feet and panel surface at 1,000 sq ft, with a limited waiver if adjoining government property provides written consent.
The Utah County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a text amendment to section 3-2 of the county land use ordinance that creates an exception permitting certain ground-mounted residential solar arrays within required setback areas.
Bryce Armstrong of Community Development told the board the amendment mirrors prior exceptions for equipment such as generators and HVAC units while setting parameters intended to limit neighbor impacts. Under the adopted language, ground-mounted systems attached to a dwelling may be up to 12 feet tall and the panel surface area is limited to 1,000 square feet. The ordinance also allows a larger surface-area waiver if the property shares a side or rear property line with a governmental entity and the government provides written consent.
Supporters described the change as narrowly tailored to account for the county’s generally large lot sizes while providing an option for homeowners who prefer ground-mounted systems. No public comment was offered at the meeting.
The motion to adopt the ordinance was made by an unnamed commissioner and seconded; the board approved the change unanimously (3-0). The county clerk will publish the adopted amendment consistent with Utah County procedures.
