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Commission backs accessory-solar language and authorizes support letter
Summary
The planning commission reviewed proposed edits to township solar rules to clarify that small accessory rooftop systems (around 10 kW) are permitted uses by right and authorized a support letter for the township’s accessory-solar amendments.
Commissioners reviewed proposed amendments to a township solar‑energy ordinance that focus on accessory solar energy systems (small rooftop or residential ground‑mounted systems) and voted to authorize a support letter to the township.
Jason, planning staff, explained the proposed amendment would revise sections 4.2 and 4.5 of the existing solar ordinance to make clear that accessory solar systems (roughly 10 kW) are permitted by right in all zoning districts, while larger commercial‑scale ground‑mounted systems remain subject to more detailed review. “Accessory solar are those types of projects that are only 10 kilowatt, and shall be permitted,” Jason said when describing the draft language.
Commissioners indicated no objection from the county’s review standpoint and authorized staff to send a support letter for the accessory‑solar revision. The authorization was recorded as a routine consent action; no vote tally beyond voice approval was recorded in the transcript.
Background: Staff said the township had previously modeled its solar ordinance revisions on recommendations from the regional model ordinance and that the accessory‑solar change aligns local rules with common practice for small rooftop systems.
The commission also briefly discussed whether projects would require broader interconnection (PJM) review; staff said this accessory provision does not automatically require PJM interconnection.
