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Selectmen weigh restrictions on commercial solar farms, seek legal guidance amid moratorium
Summary
Hebron Selectmen reviewed a draft solar ordinance while a moratorium remains in place, expressing intent to avoid large commercial solar fields and directing staff to seek legal advice from MMA and the town attorney; they also asked for greater Code Enforcement Officer involvement with the planning board.
Hebron Selectmen discussed a draft Solar Ordinance at their March 23 meeting while a townwide solar moratorium remains in effect. Board members said the original intent was to avoid commercial solar fields or farms and asked whether the town could legally prohibit such installations.
The board directed the Town Administrator to consult MMA legal and, if needed, the town attorney to clarify the municipality’s legal authority. Members said that if a legal prohibition is not available, they would prefer strict standards and increased setbacks for large-scale solar installations.
Selectmen also asked that the Code Enforcement Officer be more involved with the planning board when ordinances are being considered and suggested adjusting planning-board meeting times so the CEO can attend and help with ordinance drafting and enforcement considerations.
No formal vote on the ordinance was recorded in the minutes; the item remains under review pending legal guidance and further staff involvement.
