10-04-23-PC Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Components of a Solar Standards Ordinance Solar energy standards should: 1. Create an as -of -right solar installation path for property -owners. Create a clear regulatory path (an as -of - right installation) to solar development for accessory uses and - if appropriate - for principal uses such as large-scale solar and ground -mount community shared solar installations. 2. Enable principal solar uses. Define where community- and large -solar energy land uses are appropriate as a principal or primary use, set development standards and procedures to guide development, and capture co -benefit opportunities for water quality, habitat, agriculture. 3. Limit regulatory barriers to developing solar resources. Ensure that access to solar resources is not unduly limited by height, setback, or coverage standards, recognizing the distinct design and function of solar technologies and land uses for both accessory and principal uses. 4. Define appropriate aesthetic standards. Retain an as -of -right installation pathway for accessory uses while balancing design concerns in urban neighborhoods and historic districts. Set reasonable aesthetic standards for solar principal uses that are consistent with other principal uses that have visual impacts. 5. Address cross -property solar access issues. Consider options for protecting access across property lines in the subdivision process and in zoning districts that allow taller buildings on smaller (urban density) lots. 6. Promote "solar -ready" design. Every building that has a solar resource should be built to seamlessly use it. Encourage builders to use solar -ready subdivision and building design. 7. Include solar in regulatory incentives. Encourage desired solar development by including it in regulatory incentives: density bonuses, parking standards, flexible zoning standards, financing/grant programs, promotional efforts. Different Community Types and Settings The model ordinance language addresses land use concerns for both urban and rural areas, and thus not all the provisions may be appropriate for every community. Issues of solar access and nuisances associated with small or accessory use solar energy systems are of less consequence in rural areas, where lot sizes are almost always greater than one acre. Large-scale and community- scale solar (principal solar land uses) are much more likely to be proposed in rural areas rather than developed cities. However, urban areas should consider where community- or large-scale solar can add value to the community and enable economic development of a valuable local resource. Rural communities should address rooftop and accessory ground -mount development, although the standards used in this model are designed more for the urban circumstances. This ordinance includes language addressing solar energy as an accessory use to the primary residential or commercial use in an urban area and language for principal solar uses more typically seen in rural communities. Communities should address both types of solar development. Minnesota Model Solar Ordinance