By Taylor J. Hale
Staff Writer
PLOVER – Plover officials opened a discussion on proposed amendments to village zoning codes at the Plan Commission meeting on June 3.

The changes would streamline the planning and installation process of solar energy systems in the village. The discussed amendments are part of the village’s initiative to obtain SolSmart Community Status.

“As part of the SolSmart initiative, we are looking for ways to streamline solar energy system approval,” said Ryan Kernosky, Plover community development administrator.

Commission members hope to achieve SolSmart status by early fall, giving residents easy access to alternative power options. The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office funds the SolSmart program.

Kernosky believes the changes, which would alter the language in Chapter 550 of the village’s zoning code, would positively impact the community.

“Why would we stand in the way of someone who’s trying to do something good for themselves and the environment,” Kernosky said, referencing the possible amendments. “As it’s currently written, anyone who wants to do anything solar related has to come through the commission to get a conditional use permit, have a public hearing, neighbors get notices. Here, we streamline that.”

The revisions would remove solar energy systems as a “conditional use” in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 zoning districts, and add them to the “general standards” section of the zoning code. The change would allow residents to install some roof-mounted solar systems with only a building permit, eliminating lengthy public hearings.
The village would treat ground-mounted solar systems similarly to accessory structures. Solar arrays under 900 square feet in size that meet current setback regulations would not require additional approval from commission members.

Large projects and “front yard” systems would still require conditional use approval. Kernosky noted that the commission could officially approve the amendments at the next Plan Commission meeting in July.

“I suspect it will pass, due to the commission’s general attitude towards it. It seemed to be very positive,” he said.

For more information on the SolSmart program visit: www.solsmart.org.

Contact Taylor J. Hale at [email protected] with Portage County news and information.