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those attached to on -site structures by leads, shall be buried within the interior of the subject parcel, unless there are existing lines in the area which the lines accompanying a solar energy system can be attached. The Zoning Administrator may grant exemptions to this requirement in instances where shallow bedrock, water courses, or other elements of the natural landscape interfere with the ability to bury lines. - North Oaks (drafted ordinance under consideration) - Ground Mounted Solar Energy Systems shall be designed to minimize visual impacts from the public right-of-way and adjacent property. A mix of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs shall be provided to buffer the panels from adjacent properties. Natural looking and effective screening is desired, however, as part of the conditional use permit, the City may permit fences in addition to or in lieu of landscaping to provide appropriate screening from adjacent public rights -of -way and neighboring properties. Based on feedback from the Planning Commission, the drafted language establishes that ground - mounted solar energy systems shall not be visible from the right-of-way and systems that would be visible to the right-of-way or immediately adjacent residential properties shall require screening. This language utilizes the screening provision from the Mounds View ordinance. Staff determined that the existing regulation standards for the R-1, R-2, R-3, NR-1, NR-2, and NR- 3 residential districts and accessory structures could be applied to ground -mounted solar energy systems. The proposed text amendments include regulations such as impervious surface and structure coverage, heights, and setbacks to balance solar energy development and community character. Many of these refer to the underlying zoning district requirements so that there is no conflicting language between accessory uses (i.e. sheds, detached garages, swimming pools). Like other accessory uses, ground -mounted solar energy systems in the R-1, R-2, R-3, NR-1, NR-2, and NR-3 residential zoning districts will be subject to location and size requirements. Ground - mounted solar energy systems shall not be located nearer the front lot line than the front yard setback line for the principal structure to which it is accessory. Additionally, systems will count as one of a residential property's two permitted accessory structures primarily used for residential uses and contribute to the total lot coverage by structure. The proposed text amendments align with city standards and establish standards for ground -mounted solar energy systems as well as roof -mounted solar energy systems, for which the Zoning Code is absent of regulations and standards. At present, roof -mounted systems are administrated according to the Minnesota Building Code. The drafted ordinance amendment includes visibility provisions for roof -mounted systems on flat - roofs, roof -mounted systems on pitched roofs, and ground -mounted systems. Roof -mounted solar energy systems on pitched roofs shall be no higher than 12 inches above the roof while systems on flat roofs shall be no higher than five (5) feet above the roof. These provisions encourage the installation of flush -roof -mounted systems for pitched roofs while providing flexibility for flat roofs where flush systems are not as effective at capturing optimal sunlight. Staff worked with the Building Department to verify how the Minnesota Building Code applies to roof -mounted solar energy systems. The Building Inspector confirmed that the 2020 Minnesota 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 3 of 7