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Overview of Ordinance Amendments To allow ground -mounted solar energy systems as a land use in the R-1, R-2, R-3, NR-1, NR-2, and NR-3 residential zoning districts, the City's Zoning Code would need to be amended to designate Solar Energy System as an Accessory Use. If approved, an Applicant of any future proposed solar energy system within the R-1, R-2, R-3, NR-1, NR-2, and NR-3 zoning districts would apply for administrative review and approval through the building and electric permit process as drafted in the proposed ordinance amendments. Staff has prepared text amendments based on the Applicant's narrative, the Minnesota Solar Model Ordinance, the Minnesota Building Code, ordinances of neighboring communities, and comments from the October 4, 2023 meeting of the Planning Commission for "Solar Energy System" language within Sections 1320.05 Land Use Chart, 1325.02 Accessory Uses, 1380 5.1 Applicability, and 1380 5.2 Additional Use Criteria. Amendments were also made to Section 1380 6.1 General to All Zoning Districts to address solar energy system heights in TRC residential zoning districts. The entire redlined versions of the proposed text amendments for City Council consideration are included as Attachment E, F, G and H. The applicable Sections to be amended are as follows: • Section 1320.05, Land Use Chart in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 Zoning Districts • Section 1325.02, Accessory Uses • Section 1380 5.1, Applicability in the NR-1, NR-2, and NR-3 Zoning Districts • Section 1380 5.2, Additional Use Criteria • Section 1380 6.1, General to All Zoning Districts Proposed Ordinance Amendments: 1) The Land Use Chart within Section 1320.05 would be amended to include solar energy system as an accessory use for residential districts: a. Add Solar Energy System as an Accessory Use under the R-1, R-2, and R-3 Districts. 2) Amend Section 1325.02 Accessory Uses a. Create a new Subdivision 7 that outlines special provisions for Solar Energy Systems as an accessory use in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 Residential Zoning Districts. i. Establish height, setback, visibility, and coverage requirements for solar energy systems based on existing regulations for residential districts and accessory structures. 1. Establish 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. 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 5 of 7