Politics & Government

Commissioners Approve Alternative Energy Ordinance

Township staff and planners worked on the ordinance for more than a year.

In a nod to green technologies, commissioners on Wednesday passed an ordinance that guides development of solar, wind and geo-thermal installations in the township, whether on a smaller scale at a resident's home or on a larger scale.

The commissioners, at their meeting, unanimously passed the ordinance, which has been .

Assistant Community Development Director Gerald J. Harbison told the commissioners he doesn't know if South Whitehall will ever see solar or wind generation plants, but should those be proposed, the ordinance sets regulations that address everything from glare to noise to safety.

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More likely, the township will hear from homeowners who might want to install solar panels to reduce their energy costs.

The ordinance does not allow for solar energy systems in front yards -- for aesthetic reasons, Harbison said. It is crafted to encourage rooftop installations on smaller lots, and it also sets height restrictions and setback requirements.

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A solar power case that the township Zoning Hearing Board considered early last year had demonstrated the need for an upgrade to the zoning ordinance. A plan by Luis and Christine Cordero to put up a solar power generating system in their yard had proven contentious, with neighbors objecting. The zoners ultimately .

Harbison told the commissioners that the township staff and South Whitehall Planning Commission had spent considerable time researching the issue and crafting the ordinance, seeking input from the public, builders and designers. The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission also provided guidance.

The planners in November had recommended that the commissioners approve it.

Paul North, of Victoria Lane, had attended planning meetings on the issue. 

"I think this ordinance is very well crafted," he said, as he too recommended commissioners' approval.


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