NOTICE

Posted

CITY OF WARWICK
PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is given pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 45-24-53 that a Public Hearing will be held in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 3275 Post Road, Warwick, Rhode Island on August 16, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to consider the proposed ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance as summarized below:

Title:   An ordinance relative to amendment of the Warwick zoning ordinances: regulations for the installation of solar energy systems and amending administrative procedures for overlay districts in section 305 of appendix a, zoning ordinances (PCO-6-20, Sub B)

Applicant:   City of Warwick

Location:   City Wide

Zoning Districts:  OS, A-40, A-15, A-10, A-7, O, WB, GB, LI, GI, Intermodal, Gateway, Village District

Amended Sections:  Section 200. – Definition
Section 300. – Establishment and Classification of Districts
Table 1.  Use Regulations
Section 305. Administrative procedures for Overlay Districts
Section 314. – Solar Energy Systems (SES) and Energy Storage Facilities
Section 601.1 Accessory building and uses, residential
Section 610.10 Accessory Solar Energy Systems (SES) and Energy Storage Facilities (ESF)

Reason for Change:  The Warwick City Council desires to amend various sections of the City’s Zoning Ordinance as outlined herein to create a standard process for the review and siting of solar energy systems (SES) and energy storage facilities (ESF) throughout the city as well as to simplify and clarify submission and review procedures for certain overlay districts outlined in Section 305 of the Zoning Ordinance.  

Amendments:  In general, the proposed zoning ordinance amendment will:  Provide specific definitions related to Solar Energy Systems (SESs) and Energy Storage Facilities (ESFs); Amend Table 1. Use Regulations to define where SESs and ESFs are allowed, prohibited, or allowed by overlay in each zoning district;   revise the general procedure and submittal requirements for certain overlay districts outlined in Section 305; Establish overlay district regulations for Solar Energy Systems and Energy Storage Facilities; Outline review procedures for various types of SESs and ESFs; Clearly outline performance standards for principal use SES and ESF facilities; incentivize development of SESs and ESFs on industrial-zoned land, contaminated sites, and for solar canopies (i.e. carports); and establish clear performance standards for accessory SESs and ESFs.

A complete copy of the proposed amendment may be examined at the City of Warwick web-page and/or copied, at cost, in the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, Warwick, Rhode Island any Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m.  The proposed ordinance may be altered or amended prior to the close of the public hearing without further advertising, as a result of further study or because of the views expressed at the public hearing.  Any alteration or amendment will be presented for comment in the course of the hearing.

All persons interested in the above are respectfully requested to be present at that time and place to be heard thereon.  Individuals requesting interpreter service for the hearing impaired must notify the office of the City Clerk at 738-2006, 72 hours in advance of the hearing date.

Any party, person (s) or entity interested in registering for electronic notice for proposed zoning amendments and/or amendments to the City’s Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Maps, and/or the City’s Development Review Regulations governing Subdivision, Land Development and Development Plan Review should contact the City’s Planning Department at 401-738-2009 or at https://www.warwickri.gov/user/116/contact.

Attest: 
Lynn D’Abrosca, City Clerk

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here