The aviation notification requirements apply only to Level 1, 2, & 3 systems over half (½) an acre in size. Every such system must notify the NC Commanders Council of the intent to construct the SES. Also, such a system must submit a map analysis indicating if there are any airports within 5 nautical miles of the proposed solar energy system. If there is an airport in this 5 nautical mile radius the applicant must go online to Sandia National Laboratory’s Solar Glare Hazard Analysis Tool and conduct a glare hazard analysis for the proposed system. The notification of intent to construct the SES and the results of the glare analysis must be submitted to the correct airport authority 30 days before the permit hearing or 45 days before construction begins for systems not requiring a permit hearing.
Levels 2 & 3 Solar Energy System Requirements
Visibility
i. SESs shall be constructed with buffering as required by the applicable zoning district or development standards (Appendix J in the template provides solar visual buffering example standards).
ii. Public signage (i.e. advertising, educational, etc.) as permitted by local signage ordinance, including appropriate or required security and safety signage.
iii. If lighting is provided at site, lighting shall be shielded and downcast such that the light does not spill onto the adjacent parcel or the night sky. Motion sensor control is preferred.
Decommissioning
A decommissioning plan signed by the party responsible for decommissioning and the landowner (if different) and registered with the Register of Deeds addressing the following shall be submitted with permit application.
1. Defined conditions upon which decommissioning will be initiated (i.e. end of land lease, no power production for 12 months, etc.)
2. Removal of all non-utility owned equipment, conduit, structures, fencing, roads, and foundations
3. Restoration of property to condition prior to development of the SES.
4. The timeframe for completion of decommissioning activities.
5. Description of any agreement (e.g. lease) with landowner regarding decommissioning.
6. The party currently responsible for decommissioning.
7. Plans for updating this decommissioning plan.