Blair Township adopts solar ordinance with 50-foot setbacks and $250 permit fee

Blair Township’s Board of Supervisors adopted a Solar Ordinance at its June 11, 2024 meeting, setting a minimum setback of 50 feet from property lines and a permit fee of $250 plus any applicable Township costs.

Solicitor Patrick Fanelli told the board two determinations were needed in the draft ordinance: a permit fee that the board could change by vote as needed, and the Section 8 setback distance from property lines. After discussion the board set the setback at 50 feet and the permit fee at $250 plus applicable fees or costs incurred by the Township to be passed along to the property owner or developer. Supervisor Brad Germaux moved the determinations and adoption, Supervisor Lou Lusk seconded, and each motion passed with a unanimous vote.

The ordinance establishes local standards for siting and permitting of solar installations within Blair Township. The minutes do not specify an effective date or implementation timeline; the board adopted the ordinance as presented. The board did not record further technical details such as array height limits, decommissioning requirements, or performance standards in the minutes, nor did it list an effective date. Residents and developers interested in installing solar are therefore advised to contact township staff for the ordinance text and application procedures.

The board’s vote completes the local legislative step recorded in the meeting minutes; the ordinance’s operational details and any administrative procedures will be determined by township staff under the adopted framework.

Ending: The board adopted the Solar Ordinance by unanimous vote and provided no additional timetable for implementation in the minutes.