Planning Board refines solar siting rules, selects decommissioning option and schedules public hearing

The Presque Isle Planning Board on June 5 reviewed draft Land Use and Development Code language governing solar electric generation facilities and agreed on several draft requirements while scheduling a public hearing on Aug. 7 to solicit public comment.

Deputy Director Tim St. Peter presented the solar-related language, including material tied to proposed 38 MRSA §484, sub-§11, noting some statutory buffering language had not passed. Board members debated wording and technical limits: Vice Chairman Ward Gerow asked to add language under Applicability to cover any "solar" project, and Richard Engels questioned whether the 1,200-foot setback provision should count an owner's residence toward that distance from a residence or paved roadway.

The board discussed buffering requirements at length. Members suggested requiring four staggered rows of trees, specifying a mix of species so at least half the plantings include two different species, and setting a performance expectation that trees reach at least 11 feet in height within five years. On decommissioning, staff presented two options; the board chose Option B and added language requiring use of a Planning Board-approved list of firms to perform decommissioning work.

The board moved unanimously to schedule a public hearing for Aug. 7, 2025, to obtain public comment on the proposed Land Use and Development Code changes, including the solar siting provisions. The hearing will give the public an opportunity to review the proposed buffering, setback, and decommissioning requirements before the board considers final adoption.