11-08-23 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – November 8, 2023 4 Senior Planner Fransen explained applicants with corner lots would have to consider the visibility from both frontages when it comes to screening. Commissioner Mitchell asked for confirmation that the visibility screening provisions apply to street frontage right of way and not to trail frontage. Senior Planner Fransen confirmed that the drafted language is specific to street frontage right of way and offered that the Planning Commission could suggest language to make the visibility provision applicable to trail frontages as well. Commissioner Mitchell inquired if applicants would have to keep the ground under a rear yard mounted solar array mowed. Senior Planner Fransen stated the same maintenance would be required under a solar array as is required for the rest of the rear yard. Commissioner Blilie thanked staff for providing the Commission with information on how other communities regulate ground mounted solar. She asked if staff had any feedback on if these other communities had any ground mounted solar arrays. Senior Planner Fransen understood that these other communities do have ground mounted solar arrays, noting Roseville had one ground mounted system in place. Commissioner Wicklund stated he would be recusing himself from voting on Planning Case 23-018 because it deals with the TRC, noting he serves as the JDA Chair. Chair Vijums opened the public hearing at 7:04 p.m. Chair Vijums invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Kathryn Nelson, 3475 Siems Court, noted she has been a resident of Arden Hills for the past 38 years. She explained if this zoning code amendment were approved, she would have look at a ground mounted solar array from all three levels of her home in her neighbor’s back yard. She indicated her neighbor would be taking down trees in order to make room for the solar panels. She recommended solar arrays remain on roofs and not be allowed in rear yards. She expressed concern with the screening language, noting the code says screening was desired. She feared that this code amendment would open a can of worms that would adversely impact residential property values because neighbors do not want to look at solar arrays in rear yards. She stated erosion could be a concern if grass were allowed to die under a solar panel. Chair Vijums read the screening language within the code amendment noting ground mounted solar energy systems that are visible from the street frontage right of way or immediately adjacent residential properties shall be screened and screening may include walls, fencing and landscaping. Grass can also continue to grow beneath ground-mounted systems. Don Wahlberg, 1451 Arden Place, stated solar panels on roofs are currently allowed, but not ground mounted. He believed this was a shame because ground mounted panels have many advantages. He spoke to the numerous advantages, noting not all yards are suited for solar panels,