Distance markers placed in fields to demonstrate lengths of possible solar zoning setbacks

​YORK – The York County Commissioners agreed that placing distance markers in fields could help demonstrate the lengths of possible solar zoning setbacks and on Monday, York County Commissioner Randy Obermier placed those markers in two fields near McCool Junction. 

​As explained during last week’s county board meeting, Obermier said, “I’d propose we set up a display as a demonstration so we and others can see with our eyes the different distances and will be able to better visualize the different setback distances we are talking about.”
Setbacks for large solar projects are the biggest point of contention among the county board members as they are nearing the conclusion of talks about zoning for solar arrays. There are differing opinions among the board members as to how far setbacks should be from non-participating dwellings, as well as among members of the public.
“It isn’t a bad idea to have visuals out there, for people to see, so they can see what the actual distances look like,” said Commissioner Chairman Daniel Grotz.
Obermier said after this meeting was held and the idea received approval from the commissioners, he was contacted by Larry Blum – Blum is a participating landowner in the proposed solar project by McCool.
“Larry offered his land to me as a place I could put the markers out, so people could see them,” Obermier said.
Obermier then called Hank McGowan, another participating landowner in the McCool project, asking if he could place markers on his land. He was granted permission by McGowan, Obermier said.
Obermier created the markers with the numerals large enough to be seen from a long distance. Then he went to both parcels of land, measured out the distances and put out the markers.
At each location, there are signs marking 330 feet, 660 feet, 1,320 feet and 2,640 feet – from the beginning point of reference.
Obermier explained the locations of each property: “to go to the first, go to the corner of Road 4 and Road K and then go north; to go to the second, go to the corner of Road K and Road 5 and then go west.”
All interested persons are welcome to drive to the specific points of reference and look at the markers which demonstrate the physical reference of distance. Again, each of these distances are being considered for setback distances for large commercial/industrial solar projects.
Obermier said the markers will be left up for more than a week, as they will remain in the fields until after the April 14 county board meeting is held.