ORDINANCE NO. O-22-6

Posted

LEGAL NOTICE
CITY OF WARWICK

ORDINANCE NO. O-22-6

APPROVED
March 22. 2022

Frank J. Picozzi
MAYOR

 

APPENDIX B
CITY OF WARWICK COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
2013-2033

AN ORDINANCE RELATIVE TO AMENDMENT OF APPENDIX B, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2013-2033 OF THE CITY OF WARWICK REGARDING REGULATIONS FOR THE INSTALLATION AND SITING OF SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS CITY OF WARWICK, APPLICANT

Be it ordained by the City of Warwick:

Section I: The Code of Ordinances, Appendix B, Comprehensive Plan 2013-2033 of the City of Warwick is hereby amended as follows:

1. On page 2.9, amending Part I, Chapter 2, Section D(1) by inserting at the end of the subsection entitled “Water/Air Quality” an additional bullet that reads as follows:

Preserve existing forests, farmland, and open space from solar development by restricting solar development to developed commercial and industrial areas.

2. On page 5.19, amending Part II, Chapter 5, Section F(1)(C) by inserting new language in the final bullet to read as follows:

Explore alternative energy sources, such as micro-scale solar or wind power, to reduce electricity costs over time in recreational structures.

3. On page 11.3, amending Part VI, Chapter 11, Section B by inserting at the end of the subsection entitled “findings” an additional statement that reads as follows:

Federal & State tax incentives generate development pressure that favors solar arrays in undeveloped areas, thereby compromising forests, open space, and field areas.

4. On page 11.3, amending Part VI, Chapter 11, Section B by inserting at the end of the subsection entitled “challenges” an additional statement that reads as follows:

Developing local solar siting policy that focuses on existing developed commercial & industrial areas with large parking lots and rooftops.

5. On page 11.6, amending Part VI, Chapter 11, Section D(1), Subsection “Renewable Energy” by inserting at the end of the paragraph entitled “Solar energy.” an additional paragraph that reads as follows:

Upon observing three solar facilities which have been installed via the zoning amendment process (RIGL 45-24-51), and through the course of developing solar policy, there is a clear public consensus to focus solar arrays within existing developed commercial & industrial areas – perhaps through accessory use solar canopies and rooftop solar. Preserving existing, undeveloped forest tracts, whether by open space preservation, or in concert with residential zoning districts parameters, is preferred.

6. On page 11.16, amending Part VI, Chapter 11, Section E, Goal 1, Strategy D, Action 3 by inserting at the end a statement that reads as follows:

Consider allowing solar canopies as an accessory use in commercial and industrial zones by building permit without extensive Planning or Zoning Board Review.

7. On page 13.36, amending Part VI, Chapter 13, Section F, in the chart entitled “Chapter 11 – Sustainability and Resilience” by amending Item D under the section “WHAT” related to Goal 1 to read as follows:

Encourage private sector to augment fossil fuels with solar power on sites that are already developed Replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources.

8. On page 13.36, amending Part VI, Chapter 13, Section F in the Chart entitled “Chapter 11 – Sustainability and Resilience” by amending Item 2 under the section “HOW” related to Goal, What D to read as follows:

Provide regulations that encourage solar canopies and rooftop solar in existing commercial areas for renewable energy installations on private property in zoning and other ordinances, as appropriate.

Subject to the following conditions, waivers and stipulations:

1. None

Section II. The Planning Director is hereby authorized and directed to cause said changes to be made within the City of Warwick Comprehensive Plan 2013-2033.

Section III. This Ordinance shall take effect upon passage and publication as prescribed by law.

SPONSORED BY:
COUNCIL PRESIDENT MCALLISTER
ON BEHALF OF MAYOR PICOZZI

COMMITTEE:  ORDINANCE

Attest:
Lynn D’Abrosca, City Clerk

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