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Princeton council tables proposed ground‑mounted solar rules after neighbor concerns
Summary
Councilmembers discussed O‑25‑17, a first‑reading ordinance to regulate ground‑mounted residential solar (setbacks, heights and aesthetics). After concerns over a proposed 5‑foot setback and 12‑foot height, possible glare and visual impacts, council voted to table the ordinance for revisions and further review including site visits.
The Princeton City Council on first reading reviewed ordinance O‑25‑17, a proposed amendment to city code to establish rules for ground‑mounted solar arrays in residential districts. Staff said the draft was modeled on a neighboring community’s ordinance and would set placement, height and appearance standards; the draft favors fabric coverings to conceal wiring rather than chain‑link fences.
Michael Zaring described the staff approach and explained that planning commission member Ian Cardosi — who operates a solar business — recommended fabric coverings to make installations "more safe, and not as accessible for, say, a child to grab those wires or things like that." Councilmembers and residents raised several concerns about the proposal, focusing on a proposed 5‑foot setback and a 12‑foot maximum height and the potential for panel glare, loss of light to patios and the visual impact on neighbors.
One councilmember summarized neighborhood sentiment bluntly: "That's not something I want to see." Speakers suggested staff and interested residents visit neighboring installations to assess real‑world impact. Given those concerns and limited current demand, the council voted to table O‑25‑17 "until further notice" so planning commission and staff can revise the language and return with additional information.
