At the Planning Board’s regular monthly meeting Wednesday night, the members of the board heard a petition for a Zoning Ordinance amendment that would make it possible to install a ground-mounted photovoltaic solar-panel array on a vacant lot for the purpose of generating electricity for sale.

The petition was presented by attorney Robert M. Silva, on behalf of a property owner at 28 Jacome Way, in the Aquidneck Corporate Park. Silva gave background to the petition, explaining that the property owner originally intended to develop an office building on the lot, but excess office space in Middletown has led the owner to pursue other commercial options.

Silva’s client has hired consultant Frank A. Epps, president and CEO of rTerra, a Middletown-based renewable energy firm, to consult on the viability of a small solar farm on the 2.5 acre lot. Epps, who was present at the Planning Board meeting, has recently consulted on similar projects proposed in Westerly and West Greenwich.

The ground-mounted solar array would not exceed 15 feet in height, would not cause unwanted reflection (solar panels absorb light, Epps pointed out), and would generate no noise nor have any moving parts as the panels would be installed in a fixed, not tracking, position.

The petition is needed because Middletown’s zoning ordinance currently does not address the use of solar panels as a principal use on a site, although code does allow solar panels in an accessory use—when attached to a roof, for example. “We need a zoning change to allow construction of this array on the ground level,” said Silva. “We are suggesting this could happen in certain zones only with a special-use permit.”

At the suggestion of Ron Wolanski, Planning Director, it was agreed to continue the petition request to next month’s regular meeting and in the interim conduct a special workshop attended by Planning Board members, Zoning Board members, Silva, and Epps to discuss the possibility of an ordinance to allow solar-power generating facilities.

In other action:

• The Planning Board voted to recommend to Town Council amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Article 11, Watershed Protection District, that would streamline the permit process. With the proposed amendments, "a single-family dwelling served by public sewer, or with a septic system located outside of the 200’ Zone 1 setback and Zone 2 200’ wetland setback areas would be allowed without need for a special-use permit." Structures within the 200-foot limit would continue to require a special-use permit.
• The Planning Board voted to recommend to the Zoning Board a project to make building and site alterations to Sandpiper Cottages, at 985 East Main Rd. A new partner in the ownership of Sandpiper Cottages plans to reconstruct the existing 36 small cottages, moving some of the cottages away from property lines, and making utility, structural, and foundation upgrades to all the buildings. Landscaping, including stone walkways and plantings, is planned to enhance the setting. The intent for the exterior of the cottages themselves is to add Hardieboard white cedar shingles and white trim, giving the cottages a classic New England look, according to the partner.