BUTLER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 20, 2017
CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order @ 7:00pm by Chairperson Doug Bracy. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Janis Olney, Vern Geer, Jay Cole, Michelle Reed, Chris Parker,
Chairperson Doug Bracy and Eileen VanVleet
PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Twp. Supervisor Gary Smith, Twp Clerk, Linda Hammontree, Zoning Administrator Jim Webb.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES: Approval of minutes from the December 12, 2016 meeting with the following
correction: The date for the March meeting was set for the 13th, and then changed for the 20th because of the Board of
Review meeting on the 13th. Motion to approve with noted correction, J. Olney/V. Geer. All in favor, motion passes.
Introduction of new Planning Commission member: Junior (Jay) A. Cole.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS FROM ZONING ADMINISTRATOR: There were 4 applications for permits.
Bernard Friend, Deck, $25.00. Larry Hughes, Addition to barn, $25.00. Daniel Delagrange, Barn $50.00.
Ivan Strauss, Garage, $25.00.
Township Zoning Administrator Jim Webb recently brought to our attention that Butler Township and several other
communities in Branch County have been approached by companies wanting to build large-scale solar panel arrays. We
discussed the fact that Butler Township currently has no specific standards. We then decided to incorporate the following
language into our zoning ordinances. The following language is what Girard Township has in their zoning. Below is
potential language based on standards used in nearby communities to permit and regulate solar panel arrays in the
Township. Motion to present information language on Solar farms into our Zoning Ordinances. J. Olney/V. Geer. All in
favor, motion passes. The following language will be introduced. Will need to have a Public Hearing.
SECTION 16.XX SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS.
A. Definitions:
1. Solar Energy System. A solar photovoltaic cell, panel, or array that converts solar energy to usable thermal,
mechanical, chemical, or electrical energy.
2. Solar Storage Battery. A device that stores energy from the sun and makes it available in an electrical form.
B. Rooftop Solar Energy Systems. Rooftop and building mounted solar energy systems are permitted in all zoning
districts, subject to the following regulations.
1. Roof mounted systems shall not extend more that 4 feet above the surface to which it is affixed.
2. No solar energy system may protrude beyond the edge of the roof.
3. A building permit shall be required for installation of rooftop and building mounted systems.
C. Ground Mounted Solar Energy Systems. Ground mounted and freestanding solar energy systems are permitted in
all zoning districts, except as described in Subsection 4, below, and subject to the following regulations.
1. Location. The solar energy system may not be located in either the required front setback of any lot, and shall be set
back a minimum of 7 feet away from any side or rear property line.
2. Height. The height of the solar energy system and any mounts shall not exceed 10 feet when oriented at maximum
tilt.
3. Building Permit. A building permit shall be required for any ground mounted solar energy system.
4. Area. Ground mounted solar energy systems exceeding 20% of the total lot area shall require Special Use Approval in
all Zoning Districts. Special use Approval shall not be required for ground mounted solar energy systems that do not
exceed 20% of the total lot area.
D. Batteries. When solar storage batteries are included as part of the solar collector system, they must be placed in a
secure container of enclosure when in use, and when no longer used shall be disposed of in accordance with applicable
laws and regulations.
E. Removal. If a solar energy system ceases to perform its intended function for more that 12 consecutive months, the
property owner shall remove the collector, mount and associated equipment and facilities no later that 90 days after the
end of the 12 month period.
F. Solar Access. The Township makes no assurance of solar access other that the provisions of this Section. The
applicant may provide evidence of covenants, easement of similar documentation for abutting property owners providing
access to solar energy for the operation of a solar energy system.
Please do not hesitate to contact McKenna or Mr. Webb with any questions.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. DISCUSS ANY ORDIANCE CONCERNS: Language regarding Solar Farms.
Page 2 Butler Township meeting minutes – 3-20-2017
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Township Supervisor Gary Smith mentioned that the yearly budget meeting is on the 27th of
March @ 7:00pm, and at 6:00pm on the 27of March is a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting regarding a variance for a land
split.
NEXT MEETING: The next planning Commission meeting is scheduled for June 12, 2017 @ 7:00pm at the Township
Hall.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn E. VanVleet/V. Geer. All in favor, motion passes. Meeting adjourned @ 7:25pm.
Respectfully Submitted:
Eileen R. VanVleet