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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – November 8, 2023 2 accessory use of ground-mounted solar energy systems within the R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential districts in City Code Sections 1320.05 – Land Use Chart and 1325.02 – Accessory Uses. The proposed ordinance amendment would also modify Section 1380 – TCAAP Redevelopment Code (“TRC”) to allow ground-mounted solar energy systems as an accessory use with criteria within the Neighborhood 1 (“NR-1”), Neighborhood 2 (“NR-2”), and Neighborhood 3 (“NR-3”) residential districts. Senior Planner Fransen explained in September 2023, 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.” At the October 4, 2023 meeting of the Planning Commission, staff presented drafted language that would allow for the accessory use of ground-mounted solar energy systems through an administrative process in R-1, R-2, and R-3 zoning districts. The language also established provisions for both roof- and ground-mounted solar energy systems. The Planning Commission approved a motion to table the planning case with direction for staff to provide language for the aesthetics, visibility, and screening of ground-mounted solar energy systems, incorporate the residential districts that fall under the TRC, and consider the comments provided by All Energy Solar during the October 4, 2023 public hearing. Senior Planner Fransen reviewed the Plan Evaluation and provided the Findings of Fact for review: General Findings: 1. Donald Wahlberg, The Applicant, is proposing amendments to the language of Chapter 13 – Zoning Code of the City Code. 2. Under the City’s Zoning Code Section 1320.05, a Solar Energy System is considered a prohibited land use in the Residential Districts. 3. The Applicant is proposing an amendment to alter the Land Use Chart in Sections 1320.05 and 1325.02 of the Zoning Code to allow a Solar Energy System as an Accessory Use in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 Residential Districts. 4. The City is proposing to add special provisions for Solar Energy Systems to Section 1325.02 – Accessory Uses. 5. The City is proposing an amendment to alter the Schedule of Permitted Uses Chart in Section 1380 5.0 and 5.2 of the TCAAP Redevelopment Code to allow a Solar Energy System as an Accessory Use with Criteria in the NR-1, NR-2, and NR-3 Residential Districts. 6. The City is proposing to amend Section 1380 6.1 – General to All Zoning Districts to state that solar energy systems in NR-1, NR-2, and NR-3 are not exempt from height limitations regulated by zoning district. 7. Of 17 local communities surveyed, a majority allow for ground-mounted solar energy systems as a use in residential districts which can be approved administratively. 8. In Chapter 10 of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan – Protected Resources, “City encourages development of distributed solar energy systems that are in keeping with the community’s character and use community solar resources” is listed as an implementation strategy. 9. In Chapter 12 of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan – Resilience and Sustainability, “Encourage the use of renewable energy and work to protect access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems” is listed as an implementation strategy.