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Board approves text amendment to allow structure‑mounted solar on industrial roofs
Summary
Silver Spring supervisors unanimously approved Ordinance 2026‑02 to permit structure‑mounted solar farms as a conditional use in the Township's General Industrial district, with supporters citing efficient use of existing rooftops and limited visual or drainage impacts.
Silver Spring Township approved Ordinance 2026‑02 on Jan. 28 to allow structure‑mounted solar farms as a conditional use in the General Industrial (I‑2) zoning district.
The change amends Section 215B and Section 4440.14 of the Zoning Ordinance to permit rooftop or structure‑mounted solar farms in the General Industrial district (I‑2); proponents said the amendment directs renewable energy projects to already‑disturbed, industrial properties rather than open farmland.
Developer Garrett Peterson of Sigma Renewables described the systems as arrays mounted atop existing warehouse roofs that tie into the grid and can participate in a virtual net‑metering tariff. “These are structure mounted solar farms,” Peterson said, explaining the arrays are not visible from public rights‑of‑way, produce no audible noise and do not add impervious surface because they sit on existing roof area. He noted the systems are monitored 24/7 and support a National Electric Code rapid‑shutdown standard for firefighter safety.
Attorney Paul Schemel, representing the applicant, said the amendment corrects an earlier omission: the township had previously intended to allow similar installations in the light‑industrial district (I‑1) and the update to include I‑2 “brings the regulation in line with where the largest structures already exist,” he said.
Board action and conditions: The Board voted to adopt the text amendment (motion by Supervisor Potteiger, seconded by Supervisor Lenker). The ordinance makes structure‑mounted solar farms a conditional use in I‑2; individual projects will proceed through conditional‑use review and will be required to provide standard protections such as decommissioning security, a fire‑safety plan, and contact information for operations and maintenance.
Impacts and next steps: The amendment is intended to steer renewable energy to already‑developed parcels (industrial rooftops) rather than open land. Applicants said they will provide training and point‑of‑contact information to local fire and emergency personnel; the Board and public asked that training and emergency contacts be kept current as technology and O&M providers change over time.
Ending: Ordinance 2026‑02 was approved and becomes part of the Township Zoning Ordinance pending standard effective‑date procedures. Individual rooftop solar projects in the I‑2 district still require conditional use approval and site‑specific review.
