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Planning commission approves updated renewable energy ordinance with fire‑safety edits
Summary
Commissioners approved a revised renewable energy ordinance that incorporates fire‑marshal guidance, adds solar definitions and system‑safety measures, and removes a proposed bonus provision; the commission voted to forward the updated ordinance as recommended.
The Lower Makefield Township Planning Commission on Feb. 9 approved an updated Renewable Energy Ordinance that incorporates prior board comments, fire‑safety recommendations and consultant input.
Staff summarized the changes: added fire‑marshal review and clearance language, clarified emergency disconnect and system labeling procedures, incorporated inspections and safety oversight, inserted solar definitions (including a section for principal solar energy systems) and removed a previously discussed bonus provision. The update also addressed concerns about potential roadblocks for homeowners and revised administrative language to align with the board’s earlier direction.
Planning consultant/staff members said they had incorporated a two‑page comment letter from Tim Chamberlain and adjustments requested by fire officials. “All of the comments and requested changes that this board had are incorporated in here in what we’re considering the final version in front of you this evening,” one staff member said.
A commissioner moved to approve the ordinance as revised; another seconded the motion and the commission approved it by voice vote. The action completes the planning commission’s review; the updated ordinance will move forward consistent with the township’s adoption process.
