Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Renewable Energy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
ZBA approves 416-panel solar array for electrical training center, permits protective fencing
Summary
The board approved a plan for a 416-panel solar array at the Detroit Electrical Industry Training Center, along with fencing and site-plan conditions; planning had already approved the site plan with conditions.
The Zoning Board of Appeals granted a variance April 8 to allow a 416-panel solar array and associated fencing at the Detroit Electrical Industry Training Center at 227 East 11 Mile Road.
Ron Inglehart, representing Development Solutions Midwest, said the array is funded in part by state grants and will serve as both a power supplement and a training tool for electrical apprentices. Training director Joe Scott said the array would be low to the ground, screened with vegetation and fenced for protection.
Planning staff had issued site-plan approval with conditions in January. Board members asked about visibility from 11 Mile Road and whether the array could generate heat or fire risks. The applicant said the panels are angled and not likely to direct heat toward vegetation; the array will sit at grade with screening planting between the roadway and the array.
The board voted to grant the variance to place panels within 30 feet of the front property line and allow up to 850 linear feet of protective fencing, finding the proposal was not a detriment to the area and supports training and renewable-energy goals.
Next steps: applicant to follow plan conditions and comply with site-plan requirements and fencing specifics.
