SCH Number 2024071264

Project Info

Title

Use Permit - North Coast Highway Solar

Description

A Conditional Use Permit is being requested to authorize construction and operation of a 2.8-megawatt solar photovoltaic power generation facility (solar facility) to produce renewable energy for the power grid. The automated facility would occupy an approximately 11-acre fenced area with arrays of solar panels, single-axis trackers, string inverters, transformers, and associated electrical equipment. The approximately 87-acre property is planned and zoned Agriculture Exclusive (AE) and managed as pasture. An existing private driveway provides access to the project site from State Highway 36. Approximately 300 feet of new road is proposed to be developed to connect with a new driveway encroachment along Highway 36 located 70 feet west of the existing driveway encroachment. A power line and poles will be run to the site along the driveway route, to allow interconnection to the nearby 12 kilovolt power distribution line located within the highway right-of-way near the driveway encroachment. Approximately 7 acres of the site will be occupied by the solar array. New impervious surfaces totaling approximately 1,500 square feet will be limited to the piles supporting the panel arrays and concrete pads below electrical equipment (approx. 1,060 ft.) Areas beneath the panel will remain vegetated and the project sponsor will maintain continual operation of agricultural uses on the property, including but not limited to sheep grazing, the keeping of honeybees, or planting of row crops, on a rotational basis. Site construction is expected to take approximately 4 months and operation will run for a minimum of 20 years under a power purchase agreement with Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA). Maintenance staff are expected to visit the site on a weekly basis following the start of operation.

2 documents in project