Large-scale, solar photovoltaic land development project review
(a) Major land development application form signed by both the Town of Bristol and an authorized representative of the proposed operator(s) of the facility, an executed ground lease for the location of the facility on portions of capped landfill owned by the town, and a description of the financial surety that satisfies section 28-290. All plans and maps shall be prepared, stamped and signed by a professional engineer licensed to practice in Rhode Island.
(b) Site plan. The applicant shall submit a site plan containing the following information:
(1) The boundaries of the property and the area, including dimensions and square footage of the total installation and number of arrays, showing where the solar arrays are proposed to be installed;
(2) Geotechnical feasibility study relating to possible landfill settlement post-installation;
(3) One or three line electrical diagram detailing the solar photovoltaic installation, associated components, and electrical interconnection methods, with all National Electrical Code compliant disconnects and overcurrent devices;
(4) Location and dimensions of proposed parking areas, roads, and other site improvements;
(5) Existing and proposed grading, clearing and/or placement of vegetation;
(6) Location of existing and proposed electric lines;
(7) Location and perimeters of existing and proposed easements;
(8) Location of all underground utilities, water and sewer lines;
(9) The construction schedule and any phasing schedule for development of the SPF.
(10) The large-scale solar photovoltaic installation owner or operator shall provide a copy of the project summary, electrical schematic, and site plan to the town's fire chief. Upon request the owner or operator shall cooperate with local emergency services in developing an emergency response plan. All means of shutting down the solar photovoltaic installation shall be clearly marked. The owner or operator shall identify a responsible person for public inquiries throughout the life of the installation.
(c) Proof of liability insurance.
(d) Operation and maintenance plan. The applicant shall submit a plan for the operation and maintenance of the large-scale solar photovoltaic facility, which shall include measures for maintaining safe access to the facility, stormwater control, as well as general procedures for operational maintenance of the facility. Maintenance shall include, but be not limited to, painting, structural repairs, and integrity of security measures.
(e) Additional materials. The applicant shall submit additional information, reports or other information required by the planning board to make an informed decision.
(f) Utility notification. No large-scale ground mounted photovoltaic facility shall be constructed until evidence has been given to the board that the utility company that operates the electrical grid where the facility is to be located has been informed of the solar photovoltaic facility owner or operator's intent to install an interconnected customer-owned generator. Off-grid systems shall be exempt from this requirement.
(Ord. No. 2019-07, 6-26-19)