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Garrett County BZA approves two Nexamp community-solar projects with screening, wetland buffers and construction conditions
Summary
The Deep Creek Watershed BZA granted special exceptions for two Nexamp community solar projects (5-12 Rock Lodge South and 5-13 Rock Lodge North) with conditions requiring sediment controls, defined buffers near wetlands, screening maintained for the life of the projects and adjustments to landscaping placement to address winter snow-drift concerns.
The Deep Creek Watershed Board of Zoning Appeals approved two linked community-solar special exceptions from Nexamp after extensive testimony from the developer, landowners and nearby residents about wetlands, screening and winter access.
Nexamp’s land-use counsel, Ben Wexler, told the board that special exceptions are "presumptively compatible" under the zoning standard and that the developer’s burden is to show the projects meet the special-exception criteria. Developer Claire Dockman described Nexamp’s experience operating community-solar projects in Maryland and said both sites are designed to avoid sensitive natural areas, use existing vegetation for screening where possible, and include standard sediment and stormwater controls during construction. Dockman also noted each site is temporary under land-lease agreements (initial 20-year lease with options to extend).
Engineer Nick Lefter walked the board through both layouts: access drives using existing farm lanes, a proposed 8-foot perimeter fence, a temporary construction laydown area and single-axis tracker panels. He said panels were…
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