Council grants waiver to allow solar development

The Clear Lake City Council has given initial approval to a solar home development concept proposed by local businessman Gregg Bacon.

Monday night the Council approved a sketch plan concept and waived pavement requirements for Equinox Eco Villas.  The development site is located near Bacon’s Equinox zero energy solar-powered home built in 2017 on the southeast corner of Clear Lake city’s limits on South 32nd Street.   He is now seeking to create additional quarter-acre lots on the property to accommodate 12 solar-powered homes that will range in size and styles.

City Building Inspector Mike Ritter explained Bacon was seeking a waiver from a city ordinance which requires developments to have hard-surface roads to each property.  The Planning and Zoning Commission turned down the request on a 4-1 vote.

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“I believe all of the Board members liked the concept, but didn’t want to set the precedent that development could be made without hard surface roads,” said Ritter.  “For city equipment, fire trucks and police we feel it is necessary for hard surface roads.”

Ritter said the Council’s decision on Monday allows Bacon to prepare a preliminary plat and return to the P&Z for approval.

“The Council left the door open to change their mind in the future, as it develops, but initial approval was given to the waiver,” said Ritter.

Bacon said earlier he had hoped to break ground on the development this fall, but now will probably proceed in 2019.

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