La Plata board conditionally approves front-yard solar array at 603 Washington Avenue

The La Plata Board of Appeals voted to approve variance V00002-2025 for a ground-mounted solar array sited in the front/secondary-front yard at 603 Washington Avenue, but attached conditions the board said are designed to reduce visual impacts and ensure follow-up compliance.

Director Douly and planning staff told the board that the applicants, Naomi Hundry and Sylvester Mitchell, obtained a building permit and installed a ground-mounted array that staff later determined had been permitted in error for the front yard. Staff nonetheless presented a Solar Energy World feasibility report showing that mature trees—many off-site—cast shading on the property's rear yard and that no viable rear-yard location would yield sufficient solar generation. "Staff's recommendation is that the board of appeals approves variance 00002-2025 as submitted," the staff presentation concluded.

Residents who live along Washington Avenue and directly across the street urged denial. Robin Sprag, who lives at 602 Washington Avenue, said the array is "a monstrosity" in view from her home and warned that granting a variance would set precedent and weaken enforcement of front-yard restrictions. Former councilman David Winkler described the permit issuance as an example of flawed municipal procedure and urged the board to deny relief.

The board discussed the permit error and staffing lapses that allowed the array to receive a building permit and closed inspection before neighbors raised concerns. Staff acknowledged the mistake but asked the board to consider the feasibility evidence and the applicants' good-faith reliance on the issued permit. The Solar Energy World site memo in the record describes the installed array as "one array five panels high by 19 long," which staff said corresponds to roughly 95 panels and the dimensions provided in the permit materials.

To balance renewable-energy goals with neighborhood concerns, the board approved the variance on the condition that the applicant appear at a follow-up hearing on May 27; install vegetative screening along both street frontages in a sawtooth pattern that will achieve a 7-foot screening height within two years; and install the initial screening within 180 days. The board made explicit that failure to meet the conditions will require removal of the array at the applicant's expense.

The motion also directed the clerk to notify the applicant and to attach the conditions to the case resolution. Staff will monitor compliance and report back at the May 27 continuance.

What happens next: The clerk will notify the applicants of conditions and the May 27 compliance hearing; if the applicant does not comply, the variance will be treated as failed and removal of the array will be required.