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Board approves fence‑height and irrigation variances for planned Hob Nob Road solar substation
Summary
The Board of Adjustment approved variances to allow fencing consistent with National Electric Code requirements and to waive irrigation for a proposed utility substation solar array on Hob Nob Road, conditioned on native drought‑tolerant landscaping and a three‑year planting warranty.
The Russellville City Board of Adjustment approved variances to the city's fence-height and irrigation requirements for a proposed utility substation solar array on Hob Nob Road submitted by Infra on behalf of Cherokee Nation Entertainment.
Planning staff told the board the city's 6-foot maximum fence height conflicts with the National Electric Code (NEC) Article 110.31 for outdoor electrical installations, which may require a 7-foot fence or a 6-foot fence with an additional 1-foot of barbed wire. Staff recommended that the fence-height variance be granted but that the variance not permit barbed wire at the site. "Compliance with the NEC is in both the city's as well as the general public's best interest in this instance in terms of maintaining public safety," staff member Victoria said.
Staff also said the solar-array substation does not require water utilities for its operation and recommended allowing the applicant to forego irrigation while obligating the project to plant native, drought-tolerant species from the City of Russellville recommended list. Staff emphasized that planted vegetation remains subject to the three-year planting warranty under Article 5.5.2 and must be replaced if it does not survive the establishment period.
Jordan Tinsley, vice president of development at Infra, identified himself for the record, expressed appreciation for staff's recommendation and said Infra supported the proposed conditions. A commissioner moved to approve the variances with the attached conditions; the motion received a second and passed by voice vote with no opposition.
The variances were approved with conditions that prohibit barbed wire, require native drought-tolerant trees and shrubs, and maintain the three-year planting warranty requirement. The board adjourned after completing the item.
