Bradford sets Feb. 23 public hearing on five ordinances; selectboard member raises limits and clarity for proposed solar farm rules

The Town of Bradford Selectboard voted to hold a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, to consider five ordinance packages: a Short-Term Rental Ordinance, a Solar Farm Ordinance, updates to the Land Use Ordinance (LUO), updates to the Subdivision Ordinance, and revisions to the Temporary Camping Vehicles & Temporary Shelters Ordinance.

Boardmember Edward Nevells reviewed the draft Solar Farm Ordinance and asked the board to consider a number of clarifications and limits. Nevells recommended limiting applicability "to no more than 2," questioned whether Solar Farm permit fees should match existing LUO fees and whether an annual registration fee was intended, and praised Section 7J for addressing honey bees, flora and fauna. He also urged clearer wording on clean-up and background-noise standards in Section 7P, inclusion of parameters for private roads in Section 8D, and a provision in Section 8E to prevent overloading the electric grid. The board agreed to send the ordinance to the town attorney for review ahead of the hearing.

The board additionally set a separate public hearing for Feb. 5, 2026 to consider the budget and a potential buyout of a perpetual cell tower lease and possible second cell tower installation. The planning process for the cell-tower alternative will include submission of a completed application and a meeting with the Planning Board before the Feb. 5 hearing.

The town manager will notify the public of the Feb. 23 hearing and circulate the ordinances after the attorney's review. The Selectboard will accept public comment at the hearing and then consider any amendments or formal actions as warranted by the record.