11-08-23 PC Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – October 4, 2023 5 Senior Planner Fransen explained the applicant would need administrative approval, along with a building permit and electrical permit. She reported some communities require conditional use permit approval. She indicated the drafted ordinance language would establish that residential solar energy systems could be approved at an administrative level. Commissioner Bjorklund thanked staff for their thorough work on this Ordinance. Commissioner Wicklund stated he understood the Conservation District allowed ground mounted solar. He inquired if the NR-1 and NR-2 districts within the TRC (TCAAP Redevelopment Code) would allow for ground mounted solar. Senior Planner Fransen explained the ordinance as currently drafted was specific the R-1, R-2, and R-3 zoning districts. Commissioner Bjorklund commented it appears Don Wahlberg would be setting a precedent that would benefit residents in R-1, R-2 and R-3 districts. He wondered if the City should be charging him $1,900 to go through the approval process, given the fact many residents would be benefiting from this code change. Community Development Director Jagoe reported there was an application fee for resident initiated zoning code amendments. She stated if a refund were to be considered for this matter, it would have to be reviewed and approved by the City Council. Commissioner Weber and Commissioner Bjorklund indicated support for the City Council to consider refunding the land use application fees in this circumstance. Chair Vijums stated he was uncertain how to determine what amount should be refunded to Mr. Wahlberg. Commissioner Wicklund indicated he did not think it was necessary for the City to refund this applicant. Commissioner Weber questioned if there was another way to go about initiating an ordinance amendment, through an alternate path brought forward from the City Council. Community Development Director Jagoe explained Mr. Wahlberg came to a City Council meeting in advance of making the application. She stated direction was not given by the City Council regarding this matter. She noted the Planning Commission could provide the City Council with recommendation regarding the fees that were charged. Chair Vijums stated he did a thorough review of the Ordinance and had a number of questions. He indicated he had several items that he believed should be included or considered for the Ordinance. He questioned if solar energy systems should be allowed on carports. He recommended screening language be considered for solar panels. He supported the Ordinance being tabled until additional language was added to address this concern. Commissioner Weber asked if building permit requirements addressed any of these concerns. Senior Planner Fransen commented the electrical and structural concerns would be addressed through the building permit consideration and zoning requirements would address setbacks.