(A) The location of a solar energy facility is limited to the A-1 Agricultural and the R-1A Low Density Transitional Residential Districts within the township.
(B) A solar energy facility is limited to sites with a minimum lot size of 20 acres of land.
(C) A solar energy facility must comply with the requirements of this chapter and other applicable chapters or sections of this code of ordinances.
(E) All improved areas, including disposal areas, shall maintain a minimum 60-foot front, side, and rear yard setback. All solar panels, electrical inverters, storage buildings, and access roads shall maintain a minimum 25-foot setback from the associated perimeter fencing. In the event that an opaque fence is installed the setback may be reduced to 20 feet.
(F) A setback is not required for any component that is part of the SEF from the common property lines of adjacent leased property.
(G) All structures related to the SEF shall be subject to the dimensional and locational requirements for structures in the underlying zoning district.
(H) Improved areas shall be at least 150 feet from any residential use, family or group child day-care home, or church, measured from the closest lot line.
(I) All access roads and storage areas shall be established on a 30-foot minimum easement to a public right of way. Such easements shall be recorded at the Saginaw County Register of Deeds.
(J) Solar panels and associated racking is limited in height to 12 feet, measured from the existing natural grade at the base of such equipment to the highest point of the system at maximum tilt.
(K) A SEF shall not be held to the maximum lot coverage requirements of the district.
(L) The location of laydown yards shall be on a highway, all season, or primary road as identified by the Saginaw County Road Commission. In no case shall a laydown yard be permitted on a gravel road.
(M) Screening requirements.
(1) The applicant shall submit a landscape plan detailing all proposed changes to the landscape of the site, including temporary or permanent roads or driveways, grading, vegetation clearing, and planting.
(2) All SEF shall have a minimum landscape buffer of 25 feet along any road or adjacent to a residential use, which shall consist of grass ground cover and two rows of closely-spaced, staggered evergreen plantings, planted no more than 12 feet on center, front to back and side to side, which can reasonably be expected to form a visual barrier that is at least eight feet above ground level within three years of planting. The minimum height at time of planting shall be no less than six feet in height with a diameter of no less than four feet at its base and a species of evergreen that produces dense growth capable of producing a complete visual barrier. The landscape buffer shall be installed outside of the SEF fence line extending towards the road and/or residential use.
Example:
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(3) Land clearing of natural vegetation shall be limited to that which is necessary for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the SEF pursuant to practices of best management of natural areas or good husbandry of the land or forest other prescribed by applicable laws, regulations, and bylaws.
(4) Each owner, operator or maintainer of a solar energy facility shall maintain the landscape buffer so that the vegetation will reach maturity as soon as practical and will have maximum density in foliage. Dead or diseased landscaping shall be removed and must be replanted at the next appropriate planting time. Plants or grasses on participating lots, including those within the landscaping buffer, shall be maintained by the facility operator to not exceed six inches in height.
(5) Applicant must provide a detailed maintenance plan for the proposed solar energy system and surrounding area, including provisions that will be employed to maintain and promote native vegetation while minimizing the proliferation of weeds during and following construction.
(6) Wherever screening is adjacent to a residence and/or non-participating lot, the Planning Commission may require additional screening methods including, but not limited to opaque fencing, berms, and/or additional plantings to achieve a complete visual barrier.
(Ord. 17-07, passed 11-20-2017; Ord. 21-02, passed 3-22-2021; Ord. 23-01, passed 1-17-2023)