Plan Commission approves 11.18 kW rooftop solar at Sammy's Place; pergola concept gets positive feedback

The East Troy Plan Commission approved an 11.18 kilowatt grid-tied rooftop photovoltaic system for Sammy's Place (2079 Main/Division Street) and provided conceptual feedback on a proposed solar pergola for the restaurant's beer garden.

Staff said rooftop-mounted arrays in the downtown design overlay require planning commission review. The applicant team (introduced as Jacob Lehman of Lehman Electrical and Design LLC) and owner Sam Bressler (3 Taps Saloon) described a roof-mounted array that would be minimally raised off the parapet (roughly 1 foot) and, according to the design plans, would not be visible from the street. The commission was told there are no batteries in the current proposal and only minimal visible conduit would be routed toward the building's west/service side and color‑matched.

A commissioner moved to approve the downtown design renovation request for the 11.18 kW roof system subject to the two conditions listed in staff materials; the motion carried by voice vote. The pergola for the beer garden was discussed conceptually: commissioners asked about underside appearance, snow/ice handling, maintenance access, lighting, and materials. Applicant representatives said the panels would serve as the pergola roof, are designed for local snow loads, and could include underside finishing or screening to soften the visible technology. Commissioners expressed general support and asked for detailed drawings and materials when the pergola returns for formal design review, with the applicant estimating pergola installation in the fall if finalized.

Next steps: the rooftop permit proceeds under the commission's approval; the pergola will return for design-review approval with more detailed plans.