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Building Code requires the design of roof -mounted solar energy systems to account for roof access as well as weight load to ensure ready roof access in the event of a fire or other safety occurrence. The current review process for roof -mounted systems includes the Building Inspector verifying the proposed system meets the safety access and weight requirements of the Minnesota Building Code before a building permit is issued. The drafted ordinance language references the roof coverage requirements of the Building Code. The Solar Photovoltaic Systems Fact Sheet (Attachment D) provides an overview of the 2020 Minnesota Building Code requirements for roof - mounted solar energy systems. The Applicant's residential property is located in the R-1 Single Family Residential Zoning District. The proposed text amendments would include the R-2 Single Family and Two Family Residential District and the R-3 Townhouse and Low Density Multiple Dwelling District as staff identified that residential properties in these districts could also be suitable for ground -mounted solar energy systems. The drafted language is consistent with the implementation strategies of the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Solar energy systems are referenced in Chapter 10 Protected Resources and Chapter 12 Resilience and Sustainability as a use to be encouraged if it is in keeping with the community's character. Based on feedback from the Planning Commission, staff also considered how the provisions for roof- and ground -mounted solar energy systems could be applicable to the residential zoning districts in the TRC. Staff reviewed the TRC sections that mirror the Accessory Uses and Land Use Chart of Sections 1325.02 and 1305.01 of the Arden Hills Code ("AHC"). Staff also considered possible inconsistencies between the AHC sections and the TRC sections that might impact solar energy systems as an accessory use for the NR-1, NR-2, and NR-3 residential zoning districts. Upon review of the TRC, staff found code language for Building and Site Development Standards that are General to All Zoning Districts. In Subsection 6.1(h)(iii) of Section 1380, it is established that roof -mounted solar energy systems are exempt from height limits in all TRC zoning districts "so long as they do not extend more than fifteen feet above the roof upon which they are located." To maintain consistency in the residential development of solar energy systems across the city, the proposed solar energy system ordinance language for the TRC residential zoning districts includes an amendment to Subsection 6.1(h)(iii) of Section 1380 stating that solar energy systems in NR- 1, NR-2, and NR-3 are not exempt from the height limitations. The height for solar energy systems in the TRC residential districts would be regulated by the provisions in Section 1325.03 Accessory Uses Subd. 7 Solar Energy Systems and the height provisions within the Zoning Districts. Staff determined that the drafted ordinance language permitting solar energy systems as an accessory use in R-1, R-2, and R-3 is compatible with the existing standards and regulations for the NR-I, NR-2, and NR-3 residential districts in the TRC. The proposed ordinance amendments would add solar energy systems to the TRC Schedule of Permitted Uses as an accessory use with criteria for the NR-I, NR-2, and NR-3 zoning districts. A reference to the provisions proposed for Section 1325.02 Accessory Uses would be added to Section 1380 5.2 Additional Use Criteria. 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 4 of 7