RANGELEY — Voters on Nov. 5 will consider a new alternative energy systems ordinance and an update to the vendor’s license ordinance.
Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Town Office.
New regulations will be added in the Chapter 38 article if passed. New definitions related to alternative energy will also be added to the definitions section of Chapter 38, Town Manager Joe Roach wrote in an email.
The town has no regulations governing alternative energy systems. There is a moratorium on commercial solar arrays in place, Roach wrote. It will expire in December.
The town has no regulations related to commercial solar arrays, and this use would likely fall under the category of “essential services,” which receive no substantive review and are subject to few approval standards.
The unregulated location and operation of commercial solar arrays in town raises legitimate and substantial concerns about environmental, health and safety impacts, according to the moratorium.
Regulations would govern battery energy storage systems, commercial wind energy systems such as turbines, community energy solar energy systems, ice falling off turbines, and other associated topics. That includes private residential solar energy systems and nonresidential solar systems.
The Planning Board approved the proposed alternative energy systems document in July. It has also been reviewed by the Select Board.
The ordinance regulations in the ordinance will apply to all alternative energy systems in town, with the exception of any alternative energy system fully constructed and operating prior to the adoption of the ordinance. It also outlines permitting authority, which is the code enforcement officer or the Planning Board, depending on the type of permit requested.
Voters will also consider the proposed update to the vendors licenses ordinance, which included a new purpose section, expanded definitions section, and new language regarding exemptions, performance standards, and occasional sales.
The purpose is to provide procedures and standards relating to the operation of vendors within the town and will require annual licensing.
The expanded definitions section includes defining a concession trailer, edible goods, farm stand, farmers market, and farm and food products. It also covers mobile food truck and mobile food vendor, occasional sales and youth sales stands.
There are also some exemptions, including a public or private school, public service organization, private club, church organizations, fire department and other nonprofit organization selling food, beverages, goods or merchandise to raise money for a charitable cause.
A farm stand shall be exempt from the licensing requirements of this ordinance but must maintain state standards required by state law.
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