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Comprehensive Plan. Solar energy systems are referenced in Chapter 10 Protected Resources and <br />Chapter 12 Resilience and Sustainability as a use to be encouraged if it is in keeping with the <br />community's character. Staff invites the Planning Commission to discuss and comment on the <br />broadened scope of the proposed text amendments. <br />Zoning Code Text Amendments <br />To allow ground -mounted solar energy systems as a land use in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential <br />zoning districts, the City's Zoning Code would need to be amended to designate Solar Energy <br />System as an Accessory Use. If approved, an Applicant of any future proposed solar energy system <br />within the R-1, R-2, and R-3 zoning districts would apply for administrative review and approval <br />through the building permit process as drafted in the proposed ordinance amendments. <br />Staff has prepared text amendments based on the Applicant's narrative as well as a few other text <br />amendment considerations based on the Minnesota Solar Model Ordinance for "Solar Energy <br />System" language within Sections 1320.05 Land Use Chart and 1325.02 Accessory Uses. The <br />entire redlined versions of the proposed text amendments for Planning Commission consideration <br />are included as Attachment D and E. Below is a summary of the proposed ordinance amendments: <br />Proposed Code Amendments to Consider: <br />1) The Land Use Chart within Section 1320.05 would be amended to include solar energy <br />system as an accessory use for residential districts: <br />a. Add Solar Energy System as an Accessory Use under the R-1, R-2, and R-3 <br />Districts. <br />2) Amend Section 1325.02 Accessory Uses <br />a. Create a new Subdivision 7 that outlines special provisions for Solar Energy <br />Systems as an accessory use in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 Residential Zoning Districts. <br />i. Establish height, setback, visibility, and coverage requirements for solar <br />energy systems based on existing regulations for the R-1, R-2, and R-3 <br />residential districts and accessory structures. <br />ii. Differentiate between regulations for roof -mounted and ground- or pole - <br />mounted solar energy systems. <br />iii. Explain the administrative approval process and required submission <br />materials for solar energy systems. <br />iv. Highlight that all solar energy systems require a building permit application <br />and approval that is distinct from administrative approval. <br />Additional Review <br />Building Official <br />The Building Official has reviewed the special provisions for solar energy systems and has no <br />additional comments at this time. <br />City of Arden Hills <br />Planning Commission Meeting for October 4, 2023 <br />P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2023\PC 23-018, Wahlberg Solar Energy System — CA <br />Page 3 of 5 <br />