10-04-23-PC Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Comprehensive Plan. Solar energy systems are referenced in Chapter 10 Protected Resources and Chapter 12 Resilience and Sustainability as a use to be encouraged if it is in keeping with the community's character. Staff invites the Planning Commission to discuss and comment on the broadened scope of the proposed text amendments. Zoning Code Text Amendments To allow ground -mounted solar energy systems as a land use in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential zoning districts, the City's Zoning Code would need to be amended to designate Solar Energy System as an Accessory Use. If approved, an Applicant of any future proposed solar energy system within the R-1, R-2, and R-3 zoning districts would apply for administrative review and approval through the building permit process as drafted in the proposed ordinance amendments. Staff has prepared text amendments based on the Applicant's narrative as well as a few other text amendment considerations based on the Minnesota Solar Model Ordinance for "Solar Energy System" language within Sections 1320.05 Land Use Chart and 1325.02 Accessory Uses. The entire redlined versions of the proposed text amendments for Planning Commission consideration are included as Attachment D and E. Below is a summary of the proposed ordinance amendments: Proposed Code Amendments to Consider: 1) The Land Use Chart within Section 1320.05 would be amended to include solar energy system as an accessory use for residential districts: a. Add Solar Energy System as an Accessory Use under the R-1, R-2, and R-3 Districts. 2) Amend Section 1325.02 Accessory Uses a. Create a new Subdivision 7 that outlines special provisions for Solar Energy Systems as an accessory use in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 Residential Zoning Districts. i. Establish height, setback, visibility, and coverage requirements for solar energy systems based on existing regulations for the R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential districts and accessory structures. ii. Differentiate between regulations for roof -mounted and ground- or pole - mounted solar energy systems. iii. Explain the administrative approval process and required submission materials for solar energy systems. iv. Highlight that all solar energy systems require a building permit application and approval that is distinct from administrative approval. Additional Review Building Official The Building Official has reviewed the special provisions for solar energy systems and has no additional comments at this time. 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 3 of 5