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After completing work on its data center ordinance, Skippack Township is turning its attention to large solar-energy facilities and accessory dwelling units.
Township planning officials announced that they will begin developing zoning language for utility-scale solar farms.
The proposed regulations would distinguish a solar farm occupying an entire property from panels installed as an accessory use on a home, business or other structure.
Officials said large solar developments are not as widespread as data centers but have raised similar land-use questions in Pennsylvania communities.
Potential regulations could address setbacks, property access, decommissioning and the loss of agricultural land.
“This would be an entire property being used for generation of solar energy that would be put into the grid,” township planner Jamie Magaziner said.
Planning staff offered to provide supervisors with a presentation outlining the issues and examples of ordinances adopted elsewhere.
The township will also examine whether to allow accessory dwelling units in single-family zoning districts.
Such units can provide a separate living area for aging parents, relatives, adult children returning from college or other family members. The discussion focused particularly on homes containing a second kitchen.
“We’re really talking about once there’s a second kitchen, you’re no longer living together in a collective living arrangement,” Magaziner said.
Some municipalities permit an accessory dwelling through a special exception when the person occupying the unit has a qualifying family relationship with the owner or primary resident.
Officials said a deed restriction could be required to prevent a future owner from treating the additional space as an unrestricted rental apartment.
“When they do the title search, one of the documents they turn up is a deed restriction that says, ‘Hey, that second unit is not an apartment. That’s an in-law suite, and there has to be a familial relationship between the two,’” solicitor Joe Kuhls said.
Supervisors expressed interest in acting proactively before receiving applications that expose gaps in the existing zoning ordinance.
No ordinance was introduced, and the board took no formal action. Planning officials are expected to return with additional information at a future meeting.
Tony Di Domizio is editor of NorthPennNow, PerkValleyNow and CentralBucksNow, of the Fideri News Network. Email Tony [email protected].
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