Lebanon ZBA approves Lewis family’s request to site solar array 10 feet from property line

The Lebanon Zoning Board of Adjustment on Aug. 3 granted a special exception allowing Lionel D. Lewis to place a solar tracker array approximately 10 feet from his right-side property line at 39 Westview Lane, finding that alternatives would require significant tree removal and disruption.

Lewis told the board the tracker must sit close to the boundary to optimize performance and avoid heavy site disturbance. "...to get the optimal siting, we need to be within 10 feet of that boundary," he said, explaining that moving the array would force "significant deforestation and significant disturbance with machinery." The board noted Mr. Lewis had presented plans and answered questions about an electrical trench and battery location; Paul McDonough confirmed a 180-foot trench would connect the array to a garage-mounted battery.

A nearby neighbor, Alec Adams of 47 Westview Lane, spoke in favor from the podium: "We have no problems with the array being that close," he said, noting a ravine and trees provide separation. The board recorded findings that the special-exception criteria in the zoning ordinance were met, required the applicant to obtain all necessary permits, and moved to grant the relief. The motion to approve was made by Paul McDonough and seconded; the board announced the decision as unanimous among members present.

The decision notes the relief is granted pursuant to the specific ordinance sections cited in the application and includes the standard condition that the applicant secure required permits before construction.