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Warren County approves SALDO text changes and raises minimum for solar decommissioning bonds
Summary
At a July 15 public hearing, Warren County Commissioners approved amendments to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, removing an MILR paper-copy requirement, deleting SALDO communication-tower language per a state court interpretation, adjusting annexation parcel descriptions for parcels under 5 acres, and setting a district decommissioning bond minimum of $250,000 or 125% of the estimate.
Warren County Commissioners on July 15 approved text amendments to the county Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance after a public hearing and staff presentation.
Michael, the planning presenter, told the board the package removes the MILR paper-copy requirement now that agencies scan documents in-house and that section 6.12 — the SALDO requirement for communication towers — is being deleted after a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision concluded towers do not meet the statutory definition of land development. He also said the amendment would change how small annexations are described: any annexations under 5 acres will be described as a single parcel to reduce recording errors. "And that is all we're asking for today," Michael said at the close of his presentation.
The packet also included revised provisions for commercial solar decommissioning agreements. Staff proposed removing the prior 10% recycling discount and setting a district decommissioning bond at a minimum of $250,000 or 125% of the estimated decommissioning cost reported during the application. A commissioner asked whether the bond should include an inflation factor given long panel lifespans; Michael responded that the ordinance requires applicants to update cost estimates every five years, which staff said would address lifecycle inflation.
The planning commission reviewed the changes at its June 2 meeting and recommended forwarding the amendments to the board. The required advertisement was completed in early July and staff said no public inquiries or comments were received during the posting period. Commissioner Collins moved to approve Ordinance No. 2 amending the county subdivision of land development ordinance; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The board's approval adopts the text changes as presented and directs staff to finalize the ordinance paperwork.
