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South Strabane board grants variances for solar installation at 345 Wilford/Wilbert Avenue
Summary
After discussion about missing application materials and ordinance requirements, the zoning hearing board approved height and shading variances for a solar generating installation at 345 Wilford (also transcribed as Wilbert) Avenue, conditioning that required permits and contractor registration be completed.
The South Strabane Zoning Hearing Board approved variances to allow a ground‑ or pole‑mounted solar installation at 345 Wilford (transcribed also as Wilbert) Avenue, granting relief from the township's height and shading provisions after hearing public comment and applicant testimony.
Residents reiterated objections carried from a prior hearing, raising neighborhood character, contractor licensing, and fire and life‑safety documentation. Jay Gordon and Judy Panassic told the board that hardship was not demonstrated and that the township's recent solar ordinance establishes standards the applicant had not met at filing.
Applicant Michael Anderson testified he chose a tracker system because large oak trees around his property limit solar access on a garage rooftop. Anderson acknowledged missing materials on the initial filing — specifically contractor registration and fire/life‑safety documentation — and said he had since identified a licensed installer and intended to comply with ordinance requirements. "I didn't understand the full effect of it... I'm a regular citizen... I should have known what to do," Anderson said, describing his outreach to neighbors and justification for the proposed design.
Board members and staff noted the solar ordinance is new and that some materials were missing from the application packet; they also said approvals are often conditioned on compliance with permits and registration required by township code. After discussion the board closed the record and voted to approve the variances (height and shading exceptions) as requested, while advising the applicant to secure the listed permits and demonstrate compliance with fire and safety requirements prior to construction.
The decision allows the project to proceed subject to usual township permits and inspections; the record includes an email added as a late exhibit and the board indicated conditions will be enforced through the township's permitting process.
