HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/16/2024 - Minutes sO :� ROANOKE COUNTY
z -- � PLANNING COMMISSION
of���a
7.3.
MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 16, 2024
Commissioners Present:
--
Mr. Rick James, Chairman
Mr. Wayne Bower, Vice-Chairman
Mr. Kelly McMurray
Mr. Troy Henderson
Commissioners Absent:
Mr. Jim Woltz
Guests Present:
Ms. Jessie Robinson, New Leaf Energy
Mr. Quentin Wood, New Leaf Energy
Staff Present:
Mr. Philip.Thompson, Secretary _ _
Ms. Rachel Lower, Deputy County Attorney
Mr. Alexander Jones, Principal Planner
Mr. Ross Hammes, Planner II
Mr. Isaac Henry, Transportation Planner
Ms. Skylar Camerlinck, Planner
WORK SESSION
Mr. James called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
Approval of Agenda
Mr. Bower made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 4-0.
Discussion of Community Solar Systems
Mr. Thompson introduced Mr. Quentin Wood and Ms. Jessie Robinson with New Leaf
Energy. Ms. Jessie Robinson presented on the company, and types of projects. She
explained community solar, which would allow people to subscribe to the project.
Subscription would allow people to participate without land and get savings on their
bills. It was noted that 500 or more homes would be able to benefit from the project. Ms.
Robinson noted that she was unclear if it is low cost or no cost. It was noted that it
normally requires about 8 acres of solar farming to produce 1 MW of power. Ms.
Robinson noted that the community solar projects would be capped at 5MW or less and
would not need substations: Their projects would operate off existing substations. It was
explained that the warranty on the solar panels are 25 years, and they normally lease
them for 20 years and extensions of those leases in 5-year increments. It was noted
that New Leaf develops the project, and then the project is sold and built by whoever
purchased it. The purchaser will be responsible for maintenance. She explained that
they work with a small pool of buyers. When they apply for a special use permit, they
•
�t ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 16, 2024
apply for it in the name of the company that will be purchasing the project. All the
paperwork and bonds made for the project would follow the project after being
purchased. Mr. Wood explained the other equipment required on site. It was also noted
that there is very minimal lighting required for security. There was a discussion on rich
farmland and solar project locations to protect the soil. Frequently Asked Questions
- - - - ---were-reviewed. The-Planning Commission-thanked-Ms.-Robinson-and=Mr. Wood for -- -----
their presentation.
The Planning Commission took a recess at 7:25 p.m. until 7:31 p.m.
Discussion of-2023 Planning Commission Annual Report
Mr. Jones presented the 2023 Planning Commission Annual Report.
Discussion of 2024 Planning Commission Work Plan
Mr. Thompson presented the draft 2024 Planning Commission Work Plan.
Citizens Comments
There were none.
Comments of Planning Commissioners and Staff
Mr. Thompson discussed the upcoming land use applications. Mr. James noted that
there is a trend in denying short term rentals, and noted some believe there may be
intervention by the state.
Adjournment
Mr. James adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
jiktypitoo.-
elia Thomas
Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission
Philip T mpson �/
Secre ry, Roanoke.Co ty Planning Commission
. z
Rick James J
Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission
Page 2 of 2