Township OKs solar panel, access drive zoning changes
NORTHFIELD CENTER – Township trustees adopted amendments to the zoning resolution dealing with solar panels and access driveways at their June 6 meeting.
However, proposed changes to a section dealing with backyard chickens and coops were not adopted.
The actions came after a public hearing, at which no one spoke, and Summit County Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve the solar panel and access driveway changes, but not the ones dealing with chickens and coops.
A new Section 230.17 requires that solar panels cannot be installed without obtaining a permit, and they must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s design and operation standards, plus all local, county, state and federal guidelines.
Panels mounted on a primary structure are considered to be appurtenances and subject to applicable restrictions in each zoning district. The number of panels shall serve the needs of the structure located on a particular parcel.
Freestanding panels are considered to be accessory uses and subject to accessory use zoning and building permit requirements in each zoning district.
However, they shall not be counted as contributing to the total square footage of accessory uses/structures. Transmission and power lines shall be placed underground.
As for access driveways, the following was added to Section 410.1: A permit is required, maximum width is 18 feet, side pad (turnaround.parking area) cannot exceed 200 square feet and Summit County access management current criteria must be followed.
A couple who are residents of the Charter Lakes subdivision sought the changes to the zoning regulations governing the keeping of backyard chickens. They had sought to ban the practice because neighborhood deed restrictions prohibited it.
Trustees explained deed restrictions are a matter for homeowners’ associations to deal with and cannot be enforced by the township. The Charter Lakes Homeowners Association disbanded several years ago and thus no longer can enforce the restrictions.
Trustee Rich Reville said the couple would have to handle the situation as a civil matter. He advised them to consult with an attorney or the Summit County prosecutor to see if the matter can be resolved.
OTHER BUSINESS
Trustees OK’d the abatement of a nuisance (high grass) at properties at 219 W. Aurora Road and 9097 Pleasantview Drive. The zoning inspector will send the cases to the county prosecutor to begin proceedings under the township’s property maintenance code.
The resolution also allows the township to retain the services of Sharpscapes Inc. to mow the properties at a cost not to exceed $500 each. The mowing charges then will be added to the owners’ real estate tax bills.
A county sheriff’s department spokesman reported deputies handled 917 calls for service in May, arrested four people and cited 13 others. A Macedonia fire department spokesman reported there were three fire calls and 56 EMS calls in the township in May.
A county engineer’s office spokesman recommended that trustees request in writing for turn arrows to be added to signals in all four directions at Olde Eight and Valley View roads. There are currently turn lanes all four ways, but only one turn arrow.
The spokesman said the Brandywine Road bridge replacement is on schedule and slated for completion in mid-September. Trustees noted there have been problems with parking on private properties near the closed Brandywine Falls parking area.
Trustees approved presenting a framed photo of World War II veteran Sgt. Charles Schoepf, which was housed at Township Hall, to the Historical Society of Olde Northfield for display at the Palmer House Museum.
Part of Schoepf’s uniform recently was donated to the museum by a Texas man.
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This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Northfield Center Twp. OKs solar panel, access drive zoning changes
