A. No alternative or emerging energy facility shall be located, modified, or constructed within Middletown Township unless a permit has been issued to the landowner in accordance with the provisions of this section.

B. The permit application, conditional use application, and special exception application shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount specified by Middletown Township.

C. The permit application, conditional use application, and special exception application shall demonstrate that the alternative or emerging energy facility will comply with the provisions contained under this section. The following specific items shall be provided by the applicant:
 

(1) A complete narrative describing the proposed alternative or emerging energy facility, which shall include: a project overview; the project location; the number of alternative or emerging energy systems; the area and height of the alternative or emerging energy systems; the initial and potential generating capacities; the facility dimensions; and the manufacturer's specifications.

(2) An affidavit or similar evidence of agreement between the landowner and the facility owner/operator demonstrating that the facility owner/operator has the capabilities and permission of the landowner to apply for necessary permits for construction and operation of the alternative or emerging energy facility.

(3) The addresses of all properties within 500 feet of the property on which the proposed alternative or emerging energy facility will be located.

(4) A site plan, prepared, signed, and sealed by a qualified professional licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, showing the boundary lines of the property occupied by the alternative or emerging energy facility and the properties within 500 feet of the property on which the proposed alternative or emerging energy facility will be located. The site plan shall also include: topographical and natural features; the planned location of the alternative or emerging energy systems; the building setback lines; the access road and turnout locations; building and structures; and all public utilities.

(5) The existing and projected annual energy needs of the permitted use that will benefit from the alternative or emerging energy system, including the amount of surplus energy that will be exchanged, transferred and/or sold to a public or private utility company.

(6) Documents related to the potential abandonment and/or decommissioning of the alternative or emerging energy systems.

(7) Other relevant studies, reports, certifications and approvals, and other municipal ordinances as may be reasonably requested by Middletown Township to ensure compliance with this chapter.
 

D. As part of the permit, conditional use, or special exception application, Middletown Township may attach reasonable conditions and safeguards in order to consider the health, safety, and general welfare of the applicant and the adjacent property owners.

E. The following provisions shall apply to emergency service requirements for an alternative or emerging energy facility:

(1) The applicant shall provide a copy of the permit application to the local emergency response providers (police, fire, and ambulance) of Middletown Township.

(2) If required by the Zoning Officer, the applicant, in conjunction with the emergency service providers, shall establish an emergency response plan for the alternative or emerging energy facility.
 

F. Pursuant to the time limitations specified for a permit application, Middletown Township will determine whether the application is administratively complete and advise the applicant accordingly.

G. Pursuant to the time limitations specified by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., and the Statewide Building Code [Chapter 5, Part 1], Middletown Township shall consider the permit, conditional use, or special exception application. The applicant may be afforded an opportunity to present the project to the designated municipal officials, as well as answer questions about the project.

H. Throughout the permit process, the applicant shall promptly notify Middletown Township of any changes to the information contained in the permit, conditional use, or special exception application.

See Article XXIX: Alternative Energy for complete, detailed information.

See Applying For a Permit for more information.
See Building and Zoning for more information on documents, forms and permits.