Peru is considering solar farm regulation
By John T. Ryan
Peru – Following two recent inquiries from parties exploring the possibility of locating solar farms in Peru, the Town Board discussed solar farm regulation at a Monday, February 10, 2020 workshop. Town of Plattsburgh Planner Trevor Cole was invited. Cole is very knowledgable of local laws regulating solar farms after playing a key role in drawing up the Town of Plattsburgh’s solar farm regulations.
In 2019 the Town of Peru approved the Hamilton family’s proposal to erect a small solar farm adjacent to the Mannix Rd. Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald described that process as tedious taking several months and requiring planning and zoning board approval.
The Board is primarily concerned with so-called tier 3 solar panel installations, not the typical homeowner or business installation. Tier 3 projects typically involve several acres of land and produce electric power for sale. Cole told the Board that resident opinions, permitted locations and decommissioning are among the matters that the Town Board would have to consider should it decide to enact a local law.
Following a 30-minute discussion the Board decided to appoint a committee to consider the need and extent of solar farm regulations. Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup will contact people who previously expressed interest in solar development and regulation.
Posted: February 12th, 2020 under Business News, Environmental News, Town Board News.