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Planning board posts solar ordinance edits to hearing and notes three commercial solar‑farm applications
Summary
The board moved a revised solar-ordinance language (construction bond requirement) to public hearing on May 24 and heard a member report that three commercial solar‑farm projects are preparing applications; two projects are advanced and one remains at the discussion stage.
The Readfield Planning Board confirmed it will hold a public hearing on May 24 to consider edits to the solar ordinance and related construction bond language, alongside the proposed LUO amendment authorizing an alternate Code Enforcement Officer.
Board discussion clarified the solar‑ordinance item: staff and members described "the agreed upon edits to the proposed solar bond requirement language" and suggested the public notice describe the board’s recommended language rather than a final adopted ordinance. A separate vote to move the solar language to public hearing was recorded earlier in the meeting.
Separately, a board member provided an update that three commercial solar‑farm projects are in the pipeline; two have secured representation and are advancing toward formal filings, while a third remains at a preliminary stage. Locations mentioned include parcels near the old sawmill, on Gravel Pit Road, and a field near the ski area.
Why it matters: the solar ordinance edits would affect bond/financial assurance requirements for future commercial solar projects in town. Several commercial arrays approaching the board mean the ordinance and bond language could affect upcoming permit conditions and surety expectations.
Next steps: the planning board will take public comment at the May 24 hearing and may adjust the solar ordinance language before forwarding final language to the select board.
