Mahanoy Township approves solar ordinance, multimunicipal resolution
MAHANOY CITY – Solar energy farms are now restricted to five acre lots or larger in specific zoning districts in this township.
The ordinance amending the township’s zoning ordinance, approved at Thursday’s meeting, restricts solar farms to conservation mining, industrial, and conservation residential zones.
The move comes as small solar farms have been seeking approval in rural townships throughout the county.
A small farm in Barry Township was approved by Schuylkill County zoners last year and an application for another in Butler Township, near Lavelle, was withdrawn Wednesday.
In other business, the township approved a multimunicipal resolution, in which the township will work with Mahanoy City, Delano Township, and Ryan Township to develop a regional comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances.
According to the resolution, the plans will be developed “to provide public input driven strategies to improve the local economy, explore opportunities for multimunicipal cooperation, and enhance opportunities for grant funding.”
Mahanoy City has obtained a $75,000 grant for the development of the plan and ordinances and that borough will be the lead municipality.
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