Fayette County Zoning Board nixes request for Georges Township solar farm
The Fayette County Zoning hearing board denied a request from South Carolina-based Susquehanna Solar to build a solar farm in a residentially-zoned area near Route 119 in Georges Township.
The board released its ruling Thursday, stating that the proposed solar farm fits the definition of a "power plant." That classification comes with additional restrictions that the proposed solar farm cannot meet, according to the board's ruling.
The business made its special exception request under public/private works facilities, which are permitted in high-density residential areas, like the proposed location for the solar farm in Georges Township. Power plants fall under the heading of public/private works facilities.
To operate in the residential area, which includes close proximity to Albert Gallatin Area High School, the solar farm would have to be at least 500 feet from the property line of the nearest adjoining residence. It would also have to be at least 1,000 feet away from a school.
According to the board's ruling, one homeowner who previously testified about his objections to the solar farm, said his home was 50 to 60 feet away from its proposed location. Additionally, representatives for the AG school district testified the high school was about 300 feet away, and its baseball field was about 140 feet away.
"The board finds that the requirements set forth (in the zoning code) are in place to guarantee the safety of the neighboring community. Deviating from these minimum standards are contrary to the health, safety and welfare of the community, including the residents and the school students and employees," the board wrote in its ruling.
The request was the subject of three zoning hearings at which nearby homeowners and elected officials vehemently objected to the construction of the 88-acre solar farm.
John Wadsworth, director of operations for Susquehanna, testified during an August zoning hearing that the company chose that area in Georges Township because the business could purchase the land instead of leasing it. He contended that the solar farm was permitted, and told the zoning hearing board the company's intention to work alongside residents to help the community.
The board's ruling noted that its members previously approved special exceptions for four solar farms in the county, all of which were located in non-residential areas. The Susquehanna Solar proposal was the first in a residential area to come before them.
Susquehanna Solar has 30 days to appeal the decision to the Common Court of Pleas.
