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West Deer supervisors table proposed solar-energy zoning rules after residents raise concerns
Summary
The Board tabled Ordinance No. 462 — a package of solar-energy zoning amendments that would add solar definitions, allow accessory solar systems townshipwide and make solar farms and battery systems conditional in Rural Estate zoning — after residents raised process and wording concerns; vote was 4–0 to table.
The West Deer Township Board of Supervisors on July 16 tabled consideration of Ordinance No. 462, a broad set of zoning amendments that would add solar-energy-related definitions and authorize accessory solar energy systems (ASES) in all zoning districts while making solar energy facilities (SEF) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) conditional uses in the Rural Estate district.
Solicitor Gavin Robb opened the public hearing on the ordinance and explained the draft’s intent to create rules for solar installations and battery storage. Several residents spoke during the hearing. Victoria Austin of Hemlock Street urged postponement so the ordinance could be refined; a commenter recorded as Jack (also recorded elsewhere as Jake) Rearick of 37 Corbiwood Lane said he generally supported a solar ordinance but had concerns with the current draft. Mark Schmidt asked whether the “pending ordinance” doctrine applied, and Nicole Zelen of Glasgow Road said the process leading to the draft had procedural shortcomings. Other speakers, including Rich Hollibaugh and Roth Stump, raised questions about transparency; David Harrison said he preferred having some regulations in place rather than none.
Board members debated the proposal. Chairperson Beverly Jordan said she was not prepared to discuss the ordinance without more time to review the draft and expressed concern that residents had many specific complaints about the wording. Solicitor Gavin Robb said having regulations in place gives the Township leverage in future negotiations and enforcement. After discussion Supervisor John Hollibaugh moved and Supervisor James Smullin seconded to table the ordinance for further review. The motion carried unanimously, 4–0.
The Board did not vote on substantive changes to the draft at the meeting; members indicated they wanted additional time to examine language and the public’s concerns. The ordinance remains on the table for future consideration.
