11-08-23 PC Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minnesota Model Solar Ordinance 14 C. Large-Scale Solar - Ground-mount solar energy arrays that are the primary use on the lot, designed for providing energy to off-site uses or export to the wholesale market, are permitted under the following standards: 1. Conditional use permit – Solar farms are conditional uses in agricultural districts, industrial districts, shoreland and floodplain overlay districts, airport safety zones subject to A.1.5. of this ordinance, and in the landfill/brownfield overlay district for sites that have completed remediation. Example Use Table Use Type Residential Mixed Use Business Industrial Agricultural, Rural, Landfill Shoreland Floodplain Special (Conserva- tion, Histor- ic Districts) Large-scale solar C C C C C Communi- ty-scale solar C C C P P PS PS PS Accessory use ground-mount- ed solar P P P P P P C C Rooftop solar P P P P P P P PS P = Permitted PS = Permitted Special (additional separate permit or review) C = Conditional Blank Cell = Prohibited Large-Scale Solar Conditional Uses Large -scale solar should require a conditional use or interim use permit in order for the community to consider the site-specific conditions. The districts listed here are examples. Each community needs to consider where large scale solar is suitable in the context of its zoning districts and priorities. Solar as a Land Use The above use table shows four types of solar development that are distinct types of land uses (two kinds of accessory uses, two principal uses), and a group of districts or overlays that are commonly used in Minnesota. • Rooftop system are permitted in all districts where buildings are permitted, with recognition that historic districts will have special standards or permits separate from the zoning permits. • Accessory use ground-mount are conditional where potentially in conflict with the primary district or overlay goal. • Community-scale solar principal uses are conditional where land use conflicts or opportunity conflicts are high, permitted where a 10 acre development can be integrated into the landscape, and requiring special consideration in shoreland and floodplain overlay districts. • Large-scale is prohibited in higher density districts and conditional in all other districts. Both community- and large-scale solar is allowed in shoreland and floodplain overlay districts, because the site design standards requiring beneficial habitat ground cover not only ensure a low-impact development but in most cases result in a restoration of eco- system services from the previous (usually agricultural) use.