Planning Board votes to keep 1,200‑foot setback for solar arrays from paved roads

The Presque Isle Planning Board voted 6–1 on Sept. 18 to retain a 1,200‑foot minimum distance from paved streets for proposed solar electric generation facilities in the Land Use and Development Code (Article 2, Sec. XLL, Subsection L).

Deputy Director Tim St. Peter told the board the City Council wanted an explanation for the 1,200‑foot buffer the board had proposed. St. Peter said staff would recommend smaller distances if the board preferred—400 feet from paved roads and 600–800 feet from residences—and reminded members that property‑line setbacks in the Agricultural Farming/Forestry Zone (AFFZ) are 40 feet from the front and 30 feet from the side and rear.

Board members discussed alternatives and whether to review rules used by similar‑sized municipalities and the Maine Municipal Association. Jason Perry reported that a survey of other towns showed a wide range of setback distances. Richard Engels said his reason for proposing 1,200 feet was to keep views “pristine” within the city.

When asked how much revenue the city receives from solar, St. Peter said he believed the city receives 50% under the Business Equipment Tax Exemption (BETE) program. After discussion, Richard Engels moved to keep the 1,200‑foot buffer from a paved road; Ward Gerow seconded the motion. The motion passed with six members in favor and one opposed (Andy/Andrew Flewelling).

The action records the board’s policy preference for setbacks, and staff noted the City Council requested additional explanation and may take the item up in its own review of the draft code language.