McKean Township, Erie County

"Solar grazing with sheep is highly encouraged and preferred method of controlling ground cover growth. Township believes co-pasturing is very beneficial to maintain our rural character. Benefits of solar [grazing]: Farm income is more diversified and increases family farm viability; Farmland conservation and keeps farmland in farm production; Added visual benefit and esthetics for the community; Contributes dairy, meat, and wool to the locally sourced, renewable farm market; With time, planning, and good management, sheep can do 90 to 100% of the vegetative maintenance work inside the fence, eliminating the need for mowing, reducing emissions and costs. (a) Setbacks: When employing solar grazing, reduce front and back yard setbacks maximum 50%. If solar grazing ceases, where reduced setbacks are utilized, must plant shrubs every 10' of road frontage instead of the standard 15' frontage. (b) Provide water well for sheep if public water or reliable on-lot (steam or pond) is not available. (c) Seed fenced area with grazing friendly seed mix. (d) Where applicable, install fencing gates between adjoining solar parcels for moving sheep and line up gates between separately fenced sections of the arrays. (e) Allow farmer to use portable low voltage energizers and fences OR consider installing low 3' interior fences to facilitate best grazing/vegetation management. (f) Consider installing pipe fences and gates around inverter/transformer pads. (g) Allow signs on road gate for sheep farmer to advertise their organic, value added products."