Millcreek Township aims to make solar energy less restrictive

This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project.

Solar energy systems may soon be less restrictive in Millcreek Township.

A public hearing was held as part of a regularly scheduled meeting of township supervisors on June 10 about possible zoning amendments.  

Millcreek supervisors voted unanimously to have solicitor Andrew Morrow advertise a public notice for the new amendment. Supervisors will vote to enact the changes for solar energy systems on July 8. 

“It’s definitely a lot more flexible,” Morrow said of the updated ordinance compared to existing language. “It was rigid to the point where it was virtually impossible for anyone to be able to comply.”

Morrow said the new ordinance will alter the setback requirements. The current ordinance (PDF, see section 16.21) on solar energy systems requires a minimum setback of 5 feet from any lot line, according to Morrow. 

The proposed setback requirements apply to all sides of a property. Ground-mounted solar energy systems and related equipment shall not be located in the front yard more than 10 feet of the side lot line. A ground-mounted solar energy system is not allowed to be located within 15 feet of a rear lot line.

Ground-mounted solar energy systems and accessories would have a maximum lot coverage not to exceed 25% of the remaining lot area excluding setbacks.

“This is just dealing with individuals putting relatively modest things on their properties and just wanted to make sure that it’s not to the point to where it almost became impossible to do that,” Morrow said.

Morrow said the current ordinance is confusing because it mixes rooftop solar panels and ground-mounted solar power systems together in one definition. The amendment gives defined language on ground-mounted solar power systems. 

“It certainly would be administratively easier not to have both mixed together,” Morrow said. 

The proposed changes also make it easier for a homeowner to install rooftop solar panels. Current regulations include a maximum lot coverage of rooftop solar collectors and support structures not to exceed 25% of the property. 

Morrow said the comments from the Lebanon County Planning Commission included the current requirement as overly restrictive, and “by far the most restrictive in the county.”

The new amendment would make the maximum lot coverage of solar collectors and support structures on roofs not to exceed Lebanon County building code stipulations, he said.

“It makes it extremely difficult for someone to want to place anything like that on their roof, including solar collectors and support structures,” Morrow said.

Additional action items

While supervisor Adam Saul was absent, supervisors voted unanimously to: 

• Approve placing handicap parking spaces and signage at 15 W. Main St., 124 W. Main St., and 116 E. Main St., subject to state approval due to its status as a state road. Chair Eric Weidman and Lauren Ritchie, secretary/treasurer, said the new spaces would be for any handicapped person. 
• Authorize the solicitor to begin drafting an amended ordinance on dog kennels. 
• Approve a sewer facilities planning module for eight apartments at 117 E. Main St. The plan was submitted by Bogia Engineering. Weidman said the eight apartment units are above the Town Market grocery store. 
• Approve resident Connie Clark’s request to have a block party on Meadow Drive, Sept 26 from 4 to 8 p.m.  Weidman said Clark requested to have a block party on Meadow Drive last year. Officials said the township had no issues last year.