Casco Township in St. Clair County, Michigan Adopts Solar Energy Zoning Regulations

Casco, Michigan - Casco Township, a rural community in southern St. Clair County, Michigan, is recognizing that solar power facilities are becoming more cost effective and will likely increase in use in the future.  On June 4, 2013, the Township Board approved a zoning ordinance amendment to establish requirements for both commercial and private solar energy systems.
 
The ordinance regulates three levels of solar energy systems:
 
A small solar energy system is for a single residential unit or small business-scale solar energy use consisting of roof panels, ground–mounted solar arrays or other solar energy fixtures located on up to one-half acre of land.  
 
A medium solar energy system is a private on-site or utility-scale solar energy conversion system consisting of ground–mounted solar arrays in rows or roof-panels occupying more than one-half acre and no more than 10 acres of land, and is used to produce utility power to on-site uses and off-site customers.  
 
A large solar energy system is a utility-scale solar energy conversion system consisting of ground–mounted solar arrays in rows or roof-panels occupying more than 10 acres of land, and is used to produce utility power off-site customers.  
 
Rod Arroyo, President of Clearzoning, Inc., the planning and zoning consultant that assists Casco Township with zoning code amendments, noted “This zoning ordinance amendment will prepare the Township for both small-scale and commercial-scale solar system operations by establishing reasonable regulations to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the Township.  Alternative energy sources continue to evolve and are becoming more cost effective for end users.  Casco Township is prepared to review applications should these uses be proposed within the community.”
 
The regulations also include provisions to control glare, stormwater runoff, water quality, and screening / buffering from certain uses and public roadways.  The new ordinance becomes effective June 19, 2013.
 
About Clearzoning, Inc.
Clearzoning, Inc. is a planning, zoning, and transportation consulting firm based in Lathrup Village, Michigan.  The firm specializes in long-range plans, innovative zoning codes, traffic and parking studies, form-based codes, recreation planning, and more.

For more information contact :
 
Rod Arroyo, President
Clearzoning, Inc.
248-423-1776
www.clearzoning.com
 
 
William Ruemenapp, Supervisor
Casco Township
586-727-7524
www.cascostclair.org
 
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Contact Information

Rod Arroyo

President

Clearzoning, Inc

(1) (248) 423-1776

rod@clearzoning.com