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residential zoning districts and that these systems are currently not permitted in the City outside of the Conservation District. Roof -mounted solar energy systems are permitted through the building and electrical permit application processes and administered according to the Minnesota Building Code. The Applicant submitted a land use application for a Zoning Code Amendment to add language to the Zoning Code for residential zoning districts that states "Ground mounted solar panels are not allowed unless their view is blocked to all parties concerned." For research, staff conducted a survey of solar energy system ordinances in local communities to gain insight into how other cities are regulating ground -mounted solar energy systems. A majority of the 17 communities surveyed allow for ground -mounted solar energy systems as an accessory use in single family residential zoning districts with a majority of these communities permitting proposed systems administratively. Staff also referenced the Minnesota Solar Model Ordinance (Attachment C), which provides recommendations for local solar energy standards to create an as - of -right solar installation path for property -owners and to limit regulatory barriers to developing solar resources. The ordinance examples of other cities and the model ordinance contributed to the draft ordinance language prepared by Staff which would establish ground -mounted solar energy systems as an accessory use in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential zoning districts that can be approved administratively. The Applicant's proposed text amendments reference the screening of ground -mounted solar panels as a provision of approval. In considering provisions for solar energy systems, Staff referred to the ordinances of local communities and the Minnesota Solar Model Ordinance. Staff determined that the existing regulation standards for the R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential districts and accessory structures could be applied to ground -mounted solar energy systems as well as roof - mounted solar energy systems, for which the Zoning Code is absent of regulations and standards. The proposed text amendments include regulations such as impervious surface and structure coverage, heights, and setbacks to balance solar energy development and community character. Many of these refer to the underlying zoning district requirements so that there is no conflicting language between accessory uses (i.e. sheds, detached garages, swimming pools). Like other accessory uses, ground -mounted solar energy systems in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential zoning districts will be subject to location and size requirements. Ground -mounted solar energy systems shall not be located nearer the front lot line than the front yard setback line for the principal structure to which it is accessory. Additionally, systems will count as one of a residential property's two permitted accessory structures primarily used for residential uses and contribute to the total lot coverage by structure. The proposed text amendments also mirror the length of ordinances in some other communities while addressing specific city standards and establishing standards for roof- and ground -mounted solar energy systems. The Applicant's residential property is located in the R-1 Single Family Residential Zoning District. The proposed text amendments would include the R-2 Single Family and Two Family Residential District and the R-3 Townhouse and Low Density Multiple Dwelling District as staff identified that residential properties in these districts could also be suitable for ground -mounted solar energy systems. Staff drafted the proposed ordinance language to include R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential zoning districts consistent with the implementation strategies of the City's 2040 City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for October 4, 2023 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2023\PC 23-018, Wahlberg Solar Energy System — CA Page 2 of 5