Planning panel recommends Berlin-area solar project after approving irrigation waiver

The Worcester County Planning Commission voted in June to grant an irrigation waiver and to forward a favorable recommendation for the TPA Maryland solar project proposed on the west side of Old Ocean City Road in Berlin, contingent on staff sign‑offs on decommissioning and other technical comments.

The project team told commissioners it will install planted landscape buffers — including a 35‑foot buffer along Old Ocean City Boulevard and a 20‑foot buffer elsewhere — and that initial plant establishment would be supported by watering trucks rather than an in‑ground sprinkler system. The applicant said plant species are native and that an initial establishment schedule and longer‑term watering standards, based on University of Maryland guidance, are included in the site plan materials. The project team confirmed it has signed a landscape maintenance and inspection agreement and that a performance bond will be posted prior to construction.

Commissioners focused questions on safety, visibility from nearby homes, and whether buffers would adequately screen the site from residential properties and the nearby substation. Staff told the commission they will inspect landscaping before a Certificate of Occupancy and hold the bond for two years; if plantings die during that period staff can require replacement under a maintenance agreement recorded in land records.

"We've signed the landscape maintenance and inspection agreement. Just sent that to Ben this morning and signed copies are coming in the mail. And then, yes, the bond will be posted prior to construction," said the applicant representative for the project.

The commission approved the irrigation waiver in a recorded motion, then voted to give a favorable recommendation on the overall site plan with the condition that the points in staff's 05/20/2026 letter be fully addressed. Staff noted the decommissioning plan had outstanding comments that the applicant agreed to address and to resubmit before final approval.

The favorable recommendation will be transmitted to the county commissioners; final permitting, bond posting and any necessary permit conditions will be handled through the county review process.