11-08-23 PC Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for November 8, 2023 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2023\PC 23-018, Wahlberg Solar Energy System – CA Page 5 of 8 proposed solar energy system within the R-1, R-2, and R-3 zoning districts and the NR-1, NR-2, and NR-3 zoning districts would apply for administrative review and approval through the building and electric permit process as drafted in the proposed ordinance amendments. Staff has prepared text amendments based on the Applicant’s narrative, the Minnesota Solar Model Ordinance, ordinances of neighboring communities, and the comments from All Energy Solar for “Solar Energy System” language within Sections 1320.05 Land Use Chart, 1325.02 Accessory Uses, 1328 5.0 Schedule of Permitted Uses, and 1328 5.2 Additional Use Criteria. Amendments were also made to Section 1380 6.1 General to All Zoning Districts to address solar energy system heights in residential zoning districts. The entire redlined versions of the proposed text amendments for Planning Commission consideration are included as Attachment E, F, G and H. 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. 1. Establish that review will include consideration for screening and aesthetics. 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. 3) Amend Section 1380 5.1 Schedule of Uses a. Add Solar Energy System as an Accessory Use with Criteria under the NR-1, NR- 2, and NR-3 Districts. 4) Amend Section 1380 Section 5.2 Additional Use Criteria a. Create an Accessory Use with Criteria for Solar Energy Systems that states Solar Energy Systems shall conform to the provisions included in Section 1325.03, Subd. 7 of the AHC. 5) Amend Section 1380 Section 6.1 General to All Zoning Districts