Clay Twp: Solar farm variance request postponed

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A public meeting to consider two zoning variance applications in Clay Township that would allow the construction of a small solar facility and allow the panels of a proposed solar farm to exceed height restrictions is being rescheduled.
The application was to be heard Oct. 22 but the township trustees last week agreed to reschedule the meeting and provide more details about the proposed solar facility in the public notice advertising the next meeting.
CVE North America, Inc., and Proverbs 12:11, LLC, had requested a variance for a 29-acre parcel that sits along State Rt. 51 to install 12-foot-high panels. The township zoning resolution states small solar facilities are not an allowed or conditional use in any zoning district and the zoning code sets an 8-foot height limit for panels.
According to the Ottawa County auditor’s website, Chad Gargas and Lyndsy Gargas and Richard Gargas, Jr. and Lisa Gargas transferred the parcel in September 2023 to Proverbs 12:11, LLC, through a warranty deed.
The parcel is listed as agricultural property.
Chad Gargas is a township trustee and the website lists the address for the Proverbs LLC as 425 N. Martin-Williston Rd., Genoa.
The application is for a “small solar facility” which is defined by the township’s zoning resolution as a “solar energy system and associated facilities with a single interconnection to the electrical grid and designed for, or capable of, operation at an aggregate capacity of less than 50 megawatts.”
“Whether it happens or doesn’t happen, something of this magnitude needs to be done properly,” Joe Badger, chairman of the board of trustees, said. “Including the application and all the steps leading up to it. We wanted more information so the general public would know what is going on.”
The township’s zoning resolution was updated in December 2023 to cover solar and in 2008 for wind turbines, he said.
As written, the section of the resolution pertaining to small solar facilities doesn’t allow a conditional use such as a variance for the facilities in any agricultural, residential, commercial, or industrial zoning districts.

Home office/business on agenda
Another matter on the Oct. 22 meeting agenda will be heard that day.
Kevin and Jennifer Thomas, W. Camper Road, are requesting a conditional use variance for a home office/business.
The meeting is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at the township administration building, 21774 Holts East Rd.