Planning Commission forwards conditional-use applications for structure-mounted solar at 40 Dauphin Drive

The Silver Spring Township Planning Commission on June 4 forwarded two conditional-use applications for structure-mounted solar installations at 40 Dauphin Drive to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation for approval subject to staff and engineering comments. The applications are filed as CU2026-4 and CU2026-5.

Paul Schemel of DSS Law and Garrett Peterson of Sigma Renewables presented the applications, describing them as similar to recent structure-mounted solar approvals at 100 Fry Drive and noting the same property owner is involved. "No, they are not involved in any Data Center projects at this time," Peterson told the commission when asked whether the applicant was partnering with data-center developers on building-mounted installations.

Commissioners asked targeted technical questions. Commissioner Ron Secary asked whether the applicant was teaming with data-center developers; Peterson said they were not. Commissioner Doug McDonald asked whether the sound study combined the 40 Dauphin Drive site with the neighboring 100 Fry Drive site; Peterson said the sites are sufficiently separated and that combined noise does not exceed limits.

On a motion by Curt Helman, seconded by Ron Secary, the Planning Commission forwarded CU2026-4 and CU2026-5 to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation for approval, subject to the standard staff and engineering comments. The motion carried.

The Board of Supervisors will consider the conditional-use applications at a future meeting; the Planning Commission record and engineering comments will accompany the referral.