Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-17-10-094 — WILLIAM F. FLEGAL

Request: Variance in the R-1A zoning district to allow a cumulative total of 1,957 sq. ft. of ground-mounted solar panels in lieu of 485 sq. ft. (Note: The applicant currently has 344 sq. ft. of ground-mounted solar panels. He wants to add 1,613 sq. ft. of ground-mounted solar panels for a cumulative total of 1,957 sq. ft.)

Decision: Approved

Hearing: Applicant requested to install a ground mounted solar panel system to provide alternative electricity. The amount of panels requested is approximately four (4) times what the code allows. The code requirement was adopted in September 2016 and this is the first variance from the code requirement. Staff explained that the applicant cannot place the panels on the roof because it would void the warranty. Staff pointed out that there has been a sustainability initiative started by the county and the Mayor. The goal of the initiative is to increase the use of renewable energy by 10 % by 2020. Staff included an exhibit in the booklet with questions posed by the Environmental Protection Division and responses provided by the applicant. The exhibit showed that the amount of energy used by the applicant did merit the necessity of the eighty-eight (88) panels proposed. The applicant spoke regarding the request and explained the need of the ground-mounted system. The Commissioners raised concerns on the large amount of panels and the applicant explained the panels would only offset 75-80% of their power. A representative spoke from the Environmental Protection Division and stated they agreed with the applicant. Due to the amount of power used by the applicant, the age of house, and the fact that roof mounted panels were not an option; the ground mounted panels were necessary. The applicant submitted three (3) of no objection from the abutting neighbors. No one spoke in favor or against the application at the hearing. The BZA discussed the case and the need for alternative renewable energy.