Screening and Signs
The Sept 2021 Draft Solar ordinance does not include a screening/buffering section. However, we have many others (both model and enacted solar regulations) to base our screening/buffering regulations.
Here are some to consider:
- 2020 MMC JPC Draft
- Ground Mounted SESs shall be effectively screened from neighboring properties other than that on which the SES is to be constructed.
- Ground Mounted SESs approved as a conditional use shall have or install a visual buffer of natural vegetation, plantings, earth berms, and/or fencing that provides an effective visual and lighting screen between the SES and neighboring properties. Existing buffers along an SES perimeter shall be preserved when reasonably practicable.
- Ground Mounted SESs shall be effectively screened from neighboring properties other than that on which the SES is to be constructed.
- KY Model Solar Ordinance
- Ground Mounted SESs shall be effectively screened from neighboring properties other than that on which the SES is to be constructed.
- Ground Mounted SESs approved as a conditional use shall have or install a visual buffer of natural vegetation, plantings, earth berms, and/or fencing that provides an effective visual and lighting screen between the SES and neighboring properties. Existing buffers along an SES perimeter shall be preserved when reasonably practicable.
- Ground Mounted SESs shall be effectively screened from neighboring properties other than that on which the SES is to be constructed.
- HENDERSON COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE
- All Level 3 SES shall be screened with a seven (7) foot tall fence and, to the extent reasonably practicable, a visual buffer that provides reasonable screening to reduce the view of the SES from residential dwelling units on adjacent lots (including those lots located across a public right of way). A vegetation screening plan to reduce the view of the SES from residential dwelling units on adjacent lots will be submitted for approval of the Henderson City-County Planning Commission. The existing natural tree growth and natural land forms along the SES perimeter may create a sufficient buffer and shall be preserved when reasonably practicable. When no alternative vegetation screening plan is approved by the Henderson City-County Planning Commission, a double row of staggered evergreen trees will be planted 15’ on center from adjacent non participating residential dwellings including the outdoor living space immediately near residential dwellings. Parcel boundaries with no proximity to residential dwellings shall not require screening. The proposed evergreen trees shall be placed on the exterior of security fencing. The use of barbed wire or sharp pointed fences shall be prohibited in or along any boundary adjoining residential properties.
- Illinois Model Solar Regulation
- Screening – Community- and large-scale solar shall be screened from existing residential dwellings.
- A screening plan shall be submitted that identifies the type and extent of screening.
- Screening shall be consistent with Model Community’s screening ordinance or standards typically applied for other land uses requiring screening.
- Screening shall not be required along property lines within the same zoning district, except where the adjoining lot has an existing residential use.
- Model Community may require screening where it determines there is a clear community interest in maintaining a viewshed
- Screening – Community- and large-scale solar shall be screened from existing residential dwellings.
I propose this screening content
- Screening. Ground Mounted SESs
- Ground Mounted SESs approved as a conditional use shall have or install a visual buffer of natural vegetation, plantings, earth berms, and/or fencing (as defined in section 408.13 of this code) that provides an effective visual and lighting screen between the SES and neighboring non-agricultural properties. Existing buffers along an SES perimeter shall be preserved when reasonably practicable.
Where 408.13 of Land use management ordinance states
- Maysville Mason COunty LAND USE MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE
- 408.13 Buffers and Screening. Whenever a commercial or industrial building site adjoins a R- 1, R-2, or Th-1 district, or an existing single-family dwelling in any district, there shall be provided on the commercial or industrial building site a buffer strip not less than 20 feet in width and parallel to and adjoining the common boundary line of the residential district or use. Any required yard may be included as part of such buffer strip. Buffer strips shall provide protection to adjoining residential building sites from the glare of headlights and the blowing of dust, paper or other debris. The protection may be provided by the construction of a screening fence, or by the planting of trees and shrubs. Where the commercial or industrial site is located across a public way from the residential site, the width of the buffer site shall be reduced to the width of said public way, however, screening shall be required.
- Screening fence or wall. If a fence or wall is used to provide screening, it shall be constructed such that visibility through any portion of the fence or wall is not greater than 80%. The fence or wall shall be of sufficient height to accomplish the purpose for which it is designed but shall not be greater than eight feet, nor less than four feet in height. The fence or wall may be constructed of wood, masonry, metal provided it is aesthetically pleasing.
- Landscaping or screen planting. If trees or shrubs are to be used to provide screening, a species shall be used such that visibility through the screening is blocked by at least 80% throughout the year. The effective screening height of the trees or shrubs shall be at least four feet in height at the time of planting.
- Landscaping of buffer strip. The remaining portions of the buffer strip shall be planted in grass, ivy, flowers, or other forms of vegetation.
- Maintenance of buffer strip. The buffer strip shall be maintained in a neat, clean, and sanitary manner.
- 408.13 Buffers and Screening. Whenever a commercial or industrial building site adjoins a R- 1, R-2, or Th-1 district, or an existing single-family dwelling in any district, there shall be provided on the commercial or industrial building site a buffer strip not less than 20 feet in width and parallel to and adjoining the common boundary line of the residential district or use. Any required yard may be included as part of such buffer strip. Buffer strips shall provide protection to adjoining residential building sites from the glare of headlights and the blowing of dust, paper or other debris. The protection may be provided by the construction of a screening fence, or by the planting of trees and shrubs. Where the commercial or industrial site is located across a public way from the residential site, the width of the buffer site shall be reduced to the width of said public way, however, screening shall be required.