Woods Planning Commission Talks Solar Energy

In its fist meeting of the new year Tuesday, the Planning Commission addressed a familiar topic, solar energy.

For the past two meetings the commission has addressed the issue and how it pertains to the city's businesses and residents and, more importantly, how to regulate the inevitable emergence of this technology within the city limits. 

"We do need a tool in place in case someone comes to me with the intention of installing solar panels or shingles,” Building Official Gene Tutag said. "It is coming."

The commission looked at numerous ordinances either in place already or in a draft form from several surrounding communities, including .

The draft was looked at particularly close by the members of the commission, many of whom feel the drafted ordinance serves as an excellent model for a similar ordinance proposal for the Woods.

"I would be in favor of shaping our ordinance in a similar fashion as the one in Grosse Pointe Shores," Commissioner John Vitale said. 

The Commission continued the discussion, giving Building Official Tutag instruction and suggestion as to the language needed to make the draft ordinance more suitable for the city's needs.

Items such reflective surfaces, envioromental impact, roof elevation of panels, as well as the distinction between solar panels and solar shingles, was part of the banter between members of the commission and Tutag.

Just how this ordinance would be enforced, as well as what scope the Planning Commission would play in the process was also discussed.

“I would like to see the Planning Commission have the ability to review and have the right to reject a plan,” Commissioner Thomas Vaughn said. “Especially in the beginning.”

The end result of Tuesday night’s conversation, however, was the commission's agreement to move forward with the creation of a draft ordinance that is slated to be presented to the Planning Commission at its February meeting.

The meeting also included the election of a new commission chair and vice-chair.

Commissioner Grant Gilezan will serve as the commission's chair for 2012, while Commissioner Ross Richardson will assume the duty of vice-chair in 2012. 

The next meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for Feb. 29.