The Comstock Planning Commission received an extensive presentation from the University of Michigan on May 14 covering utility-scale solar and wind energy development, including how Michigan’s new Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance framework affects what townships can and can’t regulate. Key issues: if a township doesn’t have a compliant ordinance on the books, developers can bypass local permitting and go directly to the state. The commission discussed setbacks, sound standards, decommissioning requirements, and the economic tradeoffs of hosting large solar projects.
Watch the solar and wind presentation.
Separately, the commission agreed to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance change that would allow temporary sales, including fireworks tents, on vacant lots, after a local property owner’s permit application was rejected under current rules.
Watch the fireworks tent ordinance discussion.
Plus: The presentation noted that solar projects can generate tax revenue for townships, counties, and school districts and that landowner payments for solar are typically higher than for wind because solar fully occupies the land.
Watch the Comstock Township Planning Commission meeting — jump to the agenda item you want to watch
