Planning board clears Irving Farms solar project to a public hearing
August 15, 2025 | Caribou, Aroostook County, Maine
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The Caribou Planning Board reviewed a site design application from Irving Farms for a proposed solar farm and voted to send the project to a public hearing at the board’s next meeting.
Planning staff said the application packet included deeds, plans beginning on page 18 of the submission, and consultant information; the applicant noted experience investing in solar projects and working with a consultant, Blackstone Land Surveying.
Board members reviewed the site-design criteria required by the city: owner and applicant identification, proposed development name and location, deed or option-to-purchase, consultant lists, complete plans, and map elements such as graphic scale and north arrow. Members noted missing or incomplete items for final review — including a full parcel map and a legible land-surveyor seal and registration number on the plans — but said those items could be provided before final approval.
The project parcel was discussed in relation to existing zoning (RC-1 vs. RC-2) and nearby commercial-targeted areas; staff said zoning boundaries on some lots are split and that the split lots can create tax-assessment complexity but would not prevent review. Members also discussed the presence of an existing potato storage building on the parcel and that the solar array would be fenced.
A member asked whether stormwater or topographic changes would be required; staff said the applicant did not propose grading changes and that the project likely would not change runoff. The board asked the applicant to clarify proposed signage and exterior lighting and to include any needed easement or covenant documents if they exist.
After concept review, a motion to approve the project for a public hearing passed (motion seconded and a unanimous vote to set the public hearing was recorded). The board asked staff to request the missing items for the final review packet so the public hearing can proceed with complete documentation.
No final site-design approval or building permits were issued at the meeting; the board only authorized the public hearing step required under local review procedures.
Planning staff said the application packet included deeds, plans beginning on page 18 of the submission, and consultant information; the applicant noted experience investing in solar projects and working with a consultant, Blackstone Land Surveying.
Board members reviewed the site-design criteria required by the city: owner and applicant identification, proposed development name and location, deed or option-to-purchase, consultant lists, complete plans, and map elements such as graphic scale and north arrow. Members noted missing or incomplete items for final review — including a full parcel map and a legible land-surveyor seal and registration number on the plans — but said those items could be provided before final approval.
The project parcel was discussed in relation to existing zoning (RC-1 vs. RC-2) and nearby commercial-targeted areas; staff said zoning boundaries on some lots are split and that the split lots can create tax-assessment complexity but would not prevent review. Members also discussed the presence of an existing potato storage building on the parcel and that the solar array would be fenced.
A member asked whether stormwater or topographic changes would be required; staff said the applicant did not propose grading changes and that the project likely would not change runoff. The board asked the applicant to clarify proposed signage and exterior lighting and to include any needed easement or covenant documents if they exist.
After concept review, a motion to approve the project for a public hearing passed (motion seconded and a unanimous vote to set the public hearing was recorded). The board asked staff to request the missing items for the final review packet so the public hearing can proceed with complete documentation.
No final site-design approval or building permits were issued at the meeting; the board only authorized the public hearing step required under local review procedures.
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