Staff Notes for 11/29/2022
Town of Queensbury Planning Board
Community Development Department Staff Notes
November 29, 2022
Site Plan 75-2022 LOREEN HARVEY/KASSELMAN SOLAR
1516 Ridge Road / Moderate Density Residential / Ward 1
SEQR Type II
Material Review: site plan application, subdivision, site plan drawing, solar panel details
Parcel History: AV 60-2022
Warren Co Referral Sent: November 2022 / Comments: Concur w/local board. Informal staff comments:
Encourage discussion regarding reduction of glare through panel placement and/or
surface treatment.
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Requested Action
Planning Board review and approval for a southern facing ground mounted solar project.
Resolutions
1. PB decision
Project Description
Applicant proposes a South facing ground mounted solar project for 25.92 kW (54 panels), approximately 1,348
sq ft. The existing 5,035 sq ft home is to remain unchanged. The project will be located on the North property
line where no vegetation will be removed. Pursuant to chapter 179-5-140, site plan for a residential ground
mounted solar project shall be subject to Planning Board review and approval.
Staff Comments
• Location-The project is located at 1516 Ridge Road on 6.10 ac parcel zoned Moderate Density residential.
• Arrangement- The site has existing home and associated residential elements.
• Site Design- The plan is to install a 54 panel ground-mounted solar array on the north property line.
• Building – The existing home of 5,035 sq ft, a porch area of 1,227 sq and a shed of about 240 sq ft is to
remain with no changes.
• Grading and drainage plan, Sediment and erosion control-The plans show the location of the panels with
disturbance of about .25 ac. The plans indicate a fairly level area for placement.
• Landscape plan-The applicant does not indicate any tree removal. The ground mount solar guidance on
vegetation is …”Ground-mounted and freestanding solar collectors shall be screened as much as practicable
from adjoining lots and street rights-of-way through the use of architectural features, earth berms,
landscaping, fencing or other screening which will harmonize with the character of the property and
surrounding area. The proposed screening shall not, however, interfere with the normal operation of the
solar collectors….” The Board may request additional information in regards to screening.
• Site lighting plan-The plans do not indicate if there will be site lighting.
• Utility details-There are no changes proposed for the existing utilities.
• Elevations, Floor plans-The applicant has provided details on the panel arrangement.
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• Waivers-Planning staff has reviewed the applicants request for waivers that include items g. site lighting, h.
signage, j. stormwater, k. topography, l. landscaping, n traffic, o. commercial alterations/ construction
details, p floor plans, q. soil logs, r. construction/demolition disposal s. snow removal.
• The waivers requested–Staff finds it reasonable to request a waiver as these items are typically
associated with commercial projects.
• Pursuant to Section 179-9-050 the Planning Board may grant waivers on its own initiative or at the
written request of an applicant. The Board is to review the waivers and to determine if they are to be
granted.
Nature of Variance
Tabled 11/16/2022. The solar array is proposed to be located at 0 ft setback where 75 ft setback is required.
Summary
The applicant was tabled at the ZBA meeting to November 30th it is noted the applicant may withdraw the area
variance if the panels are relocated to be 75 ft setback. The Planning Board could then complete the site plan
review.
Meeting History: PB: 11/15/20222; ZBA: 11/16/2022