Solar energy regulations approved in Ellsworth Twp.

21 News told you on Monday residents of Ellsworth Township received a letter in the mail notifying them of an upcoming hearing on October 2nd for the Board of Zoning to decide the fate of a potential solar facility.

These efforts have led the township to enact stricter regulations moving forward. While the zoning amendments wont affect that specific project, people living in the township gave their input on the regulations. 

Ellsworth Township's Zoning Commission has been working for the past several months to update the community's zoning regulations on solar farms. Monday's second hearing concluded with the Trustees approving solar energy regulations for the township after a few modifications.

"The current laws were encompassed under energy, which was wind turbines," explained WM. A. Spellman, Township Trustee. "We put a lot of work into that and that was 10 years ago. And here we are today with the evolution of solar coming this way to Northeastern Ohio."

Residents who attended the meeting on Monday are primarily against solar farms from moving in. 

"All we could do is regulate to the best extent we can," explained Trustee Bob Toman. "We focused on setbacks, buffering, height restrictions, maintenance, and disposal."

Changes include implementing a max height of 12 feet instead of 10 feet. Plus, increased setbacks could be greater than 100 feet if deemed necessary. Regulations include lighting, noise, maintenance, and advertising details. 

"We love to community involvement and engagement," Spellman added. "Even in appropriations, we allow an interaction with the public to a deeper extent than most other townships."

While this does not affect the proposed solar farm 21 News reported on Monday, trustees agree it sets a precedent moving forward.

The township will now hand the amendment over to the planning commission for further review before it goes into effect.

It is unclear if any more solar businesses were looking into Ellsworth Township to set up shop.