LEGAL NOTICE

CERES TOWNSHIP will be adopting a Solar Farm Ordinance. The purpose of the Ordinance is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Ceres Township; provide for the safe, effective, efficient, and orderly operation of solar farms within the Township; protect and preserve historic agricultural and recreational activities within the Township; protect and preserve the Township’s environmental and ecological assets, wetlands, and other ecological and environmentally sensitive areas; protect and preserve the open spaces, viewscapes, and rural aesthetics of the Township; and to provide regulations that balance the often-competing interest of property owners, their neighbors, and the community.

The Ordinance defines a Solar Energy System as any part of a system that collects or stores solar radiation or energy for the purpose of transforming it into any other form or usable energy.

Including the collection and transfer of heat created by solar energy to any other medium by any means.

This ordinance will require any Solar Farm project (with 50 or more panels) to submit application with fee and escrow to cover any project related cost the Township may incur. These amounts will be set by resolution. Application will require name, address, and phone number of the applicant, any authorized representative of the applicant, the proposed operator, and real property owners of the land parcel being utilized, project description, life of components, and possible future expansions. Proof of permission from property owner, three views of solar farm, site plan, noise impact study, glare study, environmental and ecological impact, proof of environmental compliance, transportation plan, job creation, tax impact, and decommissioning plan will need to be submitted as well. Set-back, greenbelt screening, light, noise, glare, fencing, wiring, drainage, will have guidelines. Liability insurance will be required. A public hearing will be held on the solar application prior to any final determination.

A complete copy of this ordinance may be reviewed at the Township Building on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays 8am to 4pm or by calling 814-697-6948 for an appointment. The public may view this ordinance until July 1, 2025 @ 6:00 at which time a meeting will be held to adopt the Ordinance.

CERES

TOWNSHIP

SUPERVISORS