10-04-23-PC Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Findings of Fact The Planning Commission must make a finding as to whether or not the proposed application would adversely affect the surrounding neighborhood or the community as a whole based on the aforementioned factors. Staff offers the following findings for consideration: General Findings: 1. Donald Wahlberg, The Applicant, is proposing amendments to the language of Chapter 13 — Zoning Code of the City Code. 2. Under the City's Zoning Code Section 1320.05, a Solar Energy System is considered a prohibited land use in the Residential Districts. 3. The Applicant is proposing an amendment to alter the Land Use Chart in Sections 1320.05 and 1325.02 of the Zoning Code to allow a Solar Energy System as an Accessory Use in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 Residential Districts. 4. The City is proposing to add special provisions for Solar Energy Systems to Section 1325.02 — Accessory Uses. 5. Of 17 local communities surveyed, a majority allow for ground -mounted solar energy systems as a use in residential districts which can be approved administratively. 6. In Chapter 10 of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan — Protected Resources, "City encourages development of distributed solar energy systems that are in keeping with the community's character and use community solar resources" is listed as an implementation strategy. 7. In Chapter 12 of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan — Resilience and Sustainability, "Encourage the use of renewable energy and work to protect access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems" is listed as an implementation strategy. 8. Amendments to the Zoning Code regulations require a public hearing prior to action by the City Council. 9. If the zoning amendments were approved, an Applicant would be required to apply for administrative review and approval for a Solar Energy System within the R-1, R-2, and R-3 Residential Districts. Options and Motion Language Staff has provided the following options and motion language for this case. The Planning Commission should consider providing additional findings of fact as part of the motion to support their recommendation for approval or denial. • Recommend Approval: Motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 23-018 for a Zoning Code Amendment to Chapter 13 of the Arden Hills City Code to allow Solar Energy System as an Accessory Use in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 Residential Districts, based on the findings of fact and the submitted materials. 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 4 of 5