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the City as a whole, the special provisions and CUP process for Solar Energy Systems were specifically established for the Conservation District. Solar Enemy Systems in Residential Districts In August, All Energy Solar contacted the City on behalf of Donald Wahlberg ("the Applicant") regarding provisions for ground -mounted solar energy systems in residential zoning districts. Staff conveyed that, at present, the City Code is absent of language permitting ground -mounted solar energy systems in residential zoning districts and that these systems are currently not permitted in the City outside of the Conservation District. Roof -mounted solar energy systems are permitted through the building and electrical permit application processes and administered according to the Minnesota Building Code. The Applicant submitted a land use application for a Zoning Code Amendment to add language to the Zoning Code for residential zoning districts that states "Ground mounted solar panels are not allowed unless their view is blocked to all parties concerned." Staff conducted a survey of solar energy system ordinances in local communities to observe how other cities regulate ground -mounted solar energy systems. Ten of the 17 communities surveyed allow for ground -mounted solar energy systems as an accessory or principal use in single family residential zoning districts with a majority of these communities permitting proposed systems administratively. Staff also referenced the Minnesota Solar Model Ordinance prepared by the Great Plains Institute (Attachment C), which provides recommendations for local solar energy standards to create an as -of -right solar installation path for property -owners and to limit regulatory barriers to developing solar resources. Another reference was the Minnesota Building Code which includes provisions for roof -mounted solar energy systems. The ordinance examples of other cities, the model ordinance, and the state building code contributed to the draft ordinance language prepared by Staff which would establish ground -mounted solar energy systems as an accessory use in the R-1, R-2, R-3, NR-1, NR-2, and NR-3 residential zoning districts that can be approved administratively. The Applicant's proposed text amendments reference the screening of ground -mounted solar panels as a provision of approval. The ordinances of local communities and the Minnesota Solar Model Ordinance described various approaches to screening and visibility as it relates to community character. Five out of the ten solar ordinances referenced the screening, visibility, or aesthetics of ground -mounted systems. One of the ten solar ordinances referenced design standards for electrical lines accompanying a solar energy system. Below is some of the language used in the solar ordinances of these communities. - Mounds View - Ground -mounted SES [solar energy systems] shall be screened from view to the extent possible without reducing their efficiency. Screening may include walls, fences or landscaping. - Falcon Heights and Roseville - Solar energy systems using roof -mounting devices or ground -mount solar energy systems shall not be restricted if the system is not visible from the closest edge of any public right-of-way other than an alley. - St Anthony Village - The supporting framework for freestanding solar energy systems shall not include unfinished lumber. Any lines accompanying a solar energy system, other than City of Arden Hills City Council Meeting for November 27, 2023 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2023\PC 23-018, Wahlberg Solar Energy System — CA Page 2 of 7