Zoning bylaw needs a few adjustments
www.southcoasttoday.com 29 February 2012
To answer the questions that Colleen Noseworthy had regarding the Solar Farm on Reed Road, Yes, the town can stop the solar farm project. Based on what the Building Inspector Paul Murphy said, he hasn’t issued a permit yet because he was waiting for more information, and rightfully so. He hasn’t received the necessary information per the bylaw 37.305 Required Documents.
This is zoning violation number one, and a cease and desist order should have been issued back when they first started clearing the land. When they started doing the work without the protection of a zoning bylaw required “Building Permit” they also violated Sections 37.404 Buffers and 37.409 Land Clearing, Soil Erosion and Habitat Impacts.
Dave Cressman is wrong, the town does have the laws to stop this project, based on these violations and should direct them to the Board of Appeals. Being the prior zoning enforcement officer in Dartmouth for 16 years, I know these violations to be valid.
This is not a bad bylaw, it just needs a few adjustments and somebody to make sure that the development standards are adhered too. Remember one thing, these types of uses (solar farms) can go anywhere in town.
Joel S. Reed
Dartmouth
Editor’s Note: The Green Communities designation allows the preliminary work at the site following initial approval by the Building Department, which was granted. The developer is now required to meet town requirements to obtain a building permit.
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/02/29/zoning-bylaw-needs-a-few-adjustments/