Commission approves residential ground‑mounted solar at 124 North Road, requires full screening fence before permit

The Cromwell Planning and Zoning Commission approved a site plan June 2 for a ground‑mounted residential solar array at 124 North Road, subject to a screening condition.

Applicant and owner Frank Sapula described a low, ballasted ground‑mounted system (33 panels, about 10.3 kilowatts) sited outside wetlands and within the 100‑foot upland review area. He presented site plans showing a six‑foot solid wood and metal‑frame fence intended to screen the panels from the neighbor to the north. Staff confirmed an administrative wetlands permit had been issued and recommended approval with a single condition that the approximately 230 feet of fence as shown be installed prior to issuance of the solar building permit.

Commissioners discussed technical tradeoffs (ballasted systems’ low profile vs. snow shedding) and screening adequacy; staff said the full fence shown on the plan must be installed to satisfy the screening regulation. The commission moved to approve application 26‑17 with that condition; the motion passed on a verbal 'all in favor.'

What happens next: staff will issue approval and release the zoning permit once the required fence is installed and verified, after which the applicant may proceed to obtain the electrical/building permit.