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Andover Twp. proposes rules for solar. wind power; sign regulations also may be revised
Credit: By ERIC OBERNAUER | New Jersey Herald | April 14, 2014 | www.njherald.com ~~
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Translate: FROM English | TO English
ANDOVER TWP. – The Township Committee on Monday introduced two ordinances – one of them consisting of proposed rules for the installation of solar panels and wind turbines, the other consisting of proposed revisions to the township’s commercial sign and banner regulations.
The first ordinance, which will be considered for adoption at the committee’s April 28 meeting, would allow the installation of solar and wind energy systems for residential use but would bar the construction of large-scale solar and wind generation facilities for commercial purposes.
“There have been numerous advances in solar and wind technology, but we just want to make sure it doesn’t infringe on our neighbors,” said Mayor Phil Boyce.
Township Committeewoman Dolores Blackburn, who helped draft the proposed rules, explained that the rules would allow one turbine per lot and only on lots of at least 10 acres. Additionally, turbines would not be permitted in the front yard of any residence and would have to be set back from the property line by a distance equal to or greater than the height of the structure. The rules also would bar the use of artificial lighting and stipulate that sound levels of the system could not exceed 55 decibels except during short-term events such as utility outages or severe storms.
The rules, which would also apply to solar panels, would allow rooftop solar installations up to a height no greater than 12 inches from the rooftop. Additionally, ground-mounted arrays would be limited to a maximum height of 15 feet and would not be permitted on any lot smaller than 0.5 acres.
The second ordinance, which will be considered for adoption on May 12, has been a work in progress for the last several months and is intended to provide a greater degree of clarity regarding the installation of temporary signs and banners, which technically are not allowed at all under current regulations.
The proposed revisions – which were developed in consultation with Economic Development Committee Chairman Rick Melfi and Township Planner Rick Melfi – would allow the posting of temporary signs up to 30 days prior to grand openings and special sales events and require their removal within five days from the conclusion of the events.
Sandwich board signs would also be allowed up to a height of three feet and a total area of seven square feet. Additionally, the suspension of temporary banners from structures would be permitted provided the banners were not deemed offensive or inappropriate.
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