MINUTES

VILLAGE OF ST. HELENA

PLANNING BOARD MEETING of May 4, 2017

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jimmy English.  Present were Jimmy English, Gerald Velie, Teresa Coleman, Melvin James, Katrina Banks, Village Inspector Louis Hesse, and Attorney Nathan Coleman.

REAP, on behalf of their client, Headwaters Solar, submitted a request to the Planning Board for a text amendment to allow solar farms in the I-1 zoning district as a permitted use.  At the present time, our current UDO does not address solar farms.  The proposed solar farm would cover approximately 30 (thirty) acres.  It would abut Highway 117 on the northern side of St. Helena as well as the Industrial Zone located in Burgaw.  The solar panels would be approximately 10 (ten) feet in height, or less, and the entire solar farm would be surrounded by a fence.  Where the fence is located within 75 (seventy-five) feet of a dwelling or along a public right of way, vegetation shall be planted on the exterior side of the fence.  Along the Hwy 117 frontage, the setback would be 100 (one hundred) feet and vegetation would be planted on the exterior of the fence.  There are not to be any substations.  On motion by Gerald Velie, it was unanimously agreed to send this recommendation to the Village Council.

Louis Hesse will be providing the Planning Board with some information to consider regarding the definition and restrictions concerning accessory buildings.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.