Falmouth board approves carport‑mounted solar for North Falmouth Elementary and Falmouth High School

On March 17 the Town of Falmouth Planning Board voted unanimously to approve two separate site‑plan review applications for carport‑mounted solar photovoltaic systems on existing paved parking areas: one at North Falmouth Elementary (62 Old Main Road) and one on Lot C at Falmouth High School (1200 Gford Street Extension). Both approvals cited section 240‑12.2 of the zoning bylaw and included findings that the systems would use existing circulation patterns, keep all new electrical lines underground, and not reduce the number of parking spaces. Standard conditions require construction per approved plans, adherence to erosion and sedimentation controls, building‑code compliance as determined by the building commissioner, and a three‑year lapse provision if substantial use has not commenced.

Planning staff confirmed that town departments reviewed the applications and that proposed lighting will be installed on the underside of carports and aimed downward to illuminate parking areas. Engineering referrals were addressed in revised plans per the records presented to the board. The board’s decisions include the requirement that any modifications to the approved plan return to the planning board for review.