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 6 of 8 a. Add a sentence stating that solar energy systems in the NR-1, NR-2, and NR-3 zoning districts are not exempt from zoning district height limits. Additional Review Building Official The Building Official has reviewed the special provisions for solar energy systems and has no additional comments at this time. 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. The City is proposing to amend Section 1325.03 – Exceptions to the Minimum Requirements for All Districts to make solar energy systems not exempt from height limitations regulated by zoning district. 6. The City is proposing an amendment to alter the Schedule of Permitted Uses Chart in Section 1380 5.0 and 5.2 of the TCAAP Redevelopment Code to allow a Solar Energy System as an Accessory Use with Criteria in the NR-1, NR-2, and NR-3 Residential Districts. 7. The City is proposing to amend Section 1380 6.1 – General to All Zoning Districts to state that solar energy systems in NR-1, NR-2, and NR-3 are not exempt from height limitations regulated by zoning district. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. 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.