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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 27, 2023 7 well as outlined special provisions for Solar Energy Systems in the Conservation District. The request from Alatus was to establish a pathway for solar energy systems to be allowed as a principal use through the Conditional Use Permit Process. The Zoning Code Amendment was reviewed by the Planning Commission on March 8, 2023 and approved by the City Council on April 10, 2023. While the Solar Energy Systems definitions are applicable to the City as a whole, the special provisions and CUP process for Solar Energy Systems were specifically established for the Conservation District. Community Development Director Jagoe commented further on how ground mounted solar was addressed by neighboring communities and provided an overview on the proposed ordinance amendments. It was noted the Planning Commission reviewed this application at their October 4, 2023 meeting. At that time, they tabled Planning Case 23-018 with direction to staff to provide language for the aesthetics, screening, and visibility of ground-mounted solar energy systems, to incorporate the residential zoning districts that are regulated by the TRC, and incorporate comments given by an All Energy Solar representative during the October 4, 2023 public hearing. The Planning Commission reviewed an updated application at their November 8, 2023 meeting. At that time, they recommended approval of Planning Case 23-018 for Zoning Code Amendments to Chapter 13 by a 5-0-1 vote (Commissioner Collins was absent and Commission Wicklund abstained). Councilmember Fabel stated he was confused by the provision 7(a) Subd. 3 on the visibility of the ground system. He reviewed the provision and asked if the systems could or could not be visible from the right of way. Community Development Director Jagoe explained solar energy systems shall be designed to blend into the architecture of the building and minimize the view from public right of way, other than alleys as well as adjacent property to the extent that doing so does not affect cost and efficiency of the system. She reported she saw what Councilmember Fabel was saying in Subd. 3. She recommended the language be changed to read: to the extent possible the systems shall not be visible. Councilmember Holden asked if staff had a definition for landscaping within the proposed ordinance. Community Development Director Jagoe reported she did not have a definition for landscaping in the draft solar amendments. She noted the applicant would have to provide screening information to the City. She was of the opinion at the time of installation, the landscaping would have to provide screening. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:58 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:59 p.m. C. Planning Case 23-019 — Chapter 13, Filling And Excavation And Chapter 15, Erosion And Sediment Control