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David Zheng seeks conditional use permit for street‑facing solar panels at Amersham Court; hearing continued to March 9
Summary
At a Feb. 23 public hearing, homeowner David Zheng asked the Board of Aldermen for a Conditional Use Permit to install street‑facing, roof‑mounted solar panels at 12545 Amersham Court. Planning & Zoning recommended approval 7‑1; the board continued the matter to March 9 for further consideration.
David Zheng, owner of 12545 Amersham Court, told the Town and Country Board of Aldermen on Feb. 23 that he is seeking a Conditional Use Permit to install roof‑mounted solar panels on a front‑facing slope of his home.
Zheng said the panels are “flat and similar in color to the existing roof” and argued they would add value to his house. He also said that, given recent Ameren rate increases, rooftop solar would reduce demand on neighborhood transformers and power lines.
The Board opened a public hearing and the City Clerk entered published notice and mailed notices to property owners within 300 feet. City Planner Ryan Spencer advised the board that a Conditional Use Permit is required under the City’s zoning rules for panels facing a street in the Suburban Estate (SE) district. Alderman Kinsella informed the board that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval by a 7‑1 vote.
Alderman Friedman noted constituent concerns about setting a precedent if street‑facing installations are allowed. Two neighbors, Paulette and Michael Reschak of 840 Amersham Drive, spoke in favor, praising the homeowner’s improvements and citing local electrical‑grid age and reliability concerns. Written comments in the record included support from Andrew Defield (863 Amersham Drive) and opposition letters from Trustee Joie (Joey) Schuetz, John Fritsche and Frank Murphy, who described the proposed panels as prominent and unsightly from the street.
The City Clerk also noted that the applicant provided a collection of five photos, but that those photos were received after 4 p.m. on the meeting day and will be included in the March 9 packet for public review. Mayor Rehm closed the public hearing and continued Bill No. 26‑06 to the Board’s March 9 meeting for second reading and final consideration.
Next step: The board will take up the second reading of Bill No. 26‑06 at its March 9, 2026 meeting, with the applicant’s photos included in that packet.
