- Agenda item (List as it should appear on the agenda)
An ORDINANCE in amendment of the Code of the Town of East Greenwich, Chapter 260 Zoning (as amended) to add Article XX “SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS AND FACILITIES” AND TO AMEND SECTION 260-62, PLAN REVIEW, SUBSECTION (A) TO INCLUDE AS SECTION 4: SOLAR SYSTEM INSTALLATIONS." [THIRD READING ]
- Submitted by (List department and individual, if necessary)
Planning
- Provide a brief description of the item and why it is on the agenda
The RI Office of Energy Resources invited East Greenwich to participate in the next round of "Solarize RI" communities. Solarize Rhode Island seeks to expand the adoption of small-scale solar electricity in participating communities through a competitive tiered pricing structure that increases the savings for everyone as more home and business owners sign contracts. Once the Town signs on, everyone opting to participate is eligible for a free no-obligation site visit and quote from a pre-vetted participating solar installer. Financing options are offered and long range savings and other benefits are explained. The Town would like to be able to provide this service to our taxpayers but first, we need to accommodate solar facilities within the land development and zoning regulations. Additionally, we have been getting an increasing number of inquiries about ground-mounted solar energy production as a primary use, which again, is not addressed by current zoning. A rough first draft of such ordinance was provided for the October 23 public hearing. The Planning Board conducted their own review - with public input - on October 18 and their comments have now been incorporated into a final draft - Attached. (As a zoning amendment, three readings with a public hearing and recommendation from the Planning Board are required.)
- Contact person and phone number for questions
Lisa Bourbonnais, Planning Director, 886-8644
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