Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Solar Setbacks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Presque Isle planning board adopts 250-foot solar setback after debate
Summary
The Presque Isle Planning Board voted 6–1 on Oct. 23 to adopt language in the Land Use and Development Code establishing a 250-foot setback for solar electric arrays from residences or paved roads, after public comment and multiple amendment attempts. A proposed five‑year moratorium on new arrays failed.
The Presque Isle Planning Board on Oct. 23 approved changes to the Land Use and Development Code that set a 250-foot setback for solar electric generation facilities from residences or paved roads, a measure the board adopted by a 6–1 vote.
Deputy Director Tim St. Peter told the board the City Council had returned the draft changes to the board over concerns about a previously proposed 1,200-foot setback and recommended reducing the distance to 250 feet. "Two hundred fifty feet is roughly from the steps of City Hall to the front of the old fire station," St. Peter said, and he provided a diagram to illustrate how that distance would allow for utilities and buffering.
Public commenters from Aroostook Climate Group urged smaller setbacks. "I am opposed to the 1,200 feet setback," said Chris Fletcher, who cited Fort Kent's 30-foot setback and Caribou's lack of a dedicated solar setback. Rob Kipp, a Presque Isle resident and Aroostook Climate Group member, said St. John, New Brunswick revised an initial 100-meter setback down to 30 meters.
Board debate included proposals for larger distances. Member Richard Engels argued that solar arrays can reduce property values and "reduce the pristine views," and Chairman Bruce Roope said Presque Isle already has many arrays and noted panels' tax-exempt status and the way state reimbursement is apportioned to municipalities. Several board members proposed alternative setbacks — including a motion to require 250 feet from paved roads and 500 feet from residences — but that amendment failed 2–4. The main motion to approve the code language as recommended by St. Peter carried 6–1, with Roope opposed.
A separate motion to recommend a five-year moratorium on new solar arrays failed on a 3–4 vote.
Why it matters: the newly adopted language alters where ground-mounted solar arrays may be sited within Presque Isle and responds to concerns from abutters and the City Council about visual impact and buffering. The transcript does not record a next procedural step such as final adoption by the City Council; the board acted on language returned to it from the Council earlier in the review process.
What to watch for: the board indicated it will continue related code work as State and local rules evolve; the record shows further Land Use and Development Code changes are anticipated early next year because of State of Maine density rule updates affecting accessory dwelling units.
Vote record: the motion to adopt the language changes passed 6–1; an amendment to impose differing residential/paved-road setbacks failed 2–4; a proposed five-year moratorium failed 3–4.
