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Kirkbray Country Club seeks ground‑mounted solar; planning board to hold informational meeting
Summary
Revit Energy LLC proposed a ground‑mounted solar array accessory to Kirkbray Country Club; the applicant requested a rear‑yard setback variance and provided screening and decommissioning plans; the planning board agreed to place the project on the planning‑board informational calendar and noted the need for detailed renderings and stormwater calculations.
Revit Energy LLC presented a proposal for a ground‑mounted solar photovoltaic system to serve Kirkbray Country Club on property at Old River Road. The project was filed as a unified master‑plan and special‑use review because the solar field is accessory to club operations and also requires a dimensional variance from a 45‑foot rear‑yard setback.
Staff said the facility qualifies as a minor‑scale ground‑mounted renewable energy system provided the applicant demonstrates the system's production is consistent with the town's limit relative to the property electrical load. The applicant supplied a production estimate and staff asked for the calculations and how the proposed generation compares to the club's recent 12‑month load data.
Nearby residents and committee members pressed the applicant on visual impacts, system height and screening. The applicant proposed double hedgerows and screening materials similar to those now used around the club's tennis courts and said new plantings would be an integral part of the plan. A planner asked for renderings from vantage points of abutting residents and cross‑section details for panel height; the applicant said panels may be as tall as 12–15 feet under the ordinance and committed to submitting panel dimensions and planting specifications at preliminary review.
Board members also raised environmental and technical questions including wetlands on or near town property to the west, stormwater calculations to ensure no increase in runoff to neighboring properties, decommissioning plans and the location of access drives. The applicant said it will provide a decommissioning plan and GPS locations for wells; staff said stormwater and grading details will be required at preliminary review.
A board member moved to recommend the project be scheduled for an informational planning‑board meeting in late February; the motion was seconded and passed. The planning board will consider the project at an informational session followed by a public hearing on a later date. Staff requested renderings that show views from abutting homes, complete engineering for grading and stormwater, panel height and full screening details before the public hearing.
