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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — NOVEMBER 27, 2023 7 <br />the special provisions and CUP process for Solar Energy Systems were specifically established for <br />the Conservation District. <br />Community Development Director Jagoe commented further on how ground mounted solar was <br />addressed by neighboring communities and provided an overview on the proposed ordinance <br />amendments. It was noted the Planning Commission reviewed this application at their October 4, <br />2023 meeting. At that time, they tabled Planning Case 23-018 with direction to staff to provide <br />language for the aesthetics, screening, and visibility of ground -mounted solar energy systems, to <br />incorporate the residential zoning districts that are regulated by the TRC, and incorporate <br />comments given by an All Energy Solar representative during the October 4, 2023 public hearing. <br />The Planning Commission reviewed an updated application at their November 8, 2023 meeting. <br />At that time, they recommended approval of Planning Case 23-018 for Zoning Code Amendments <br />to Chapter 13 by a 5-0-1 vote (Commissioner Collins was absent and Commission Wicklund <br />abstained). <br />Councilmember Fabel stated he was confused by the provision 7(a) Subd. 3 on the visibility of <br />the ground system. He reviewed the provision and asked if the systems could or could not be <br />visible from the right of way. <br />Community Development Director Jagoe explained solar energy systems shall be designed to <br />blend into the architecture of the building and minimize the view from public right of way, other <br />than alleys as well as adjacent property to the extent that doing so does not affect cost and <br />efficiency of the system. She reported she saw what Councilmember Fabel was saying in Subd. 3. <br />She recommended the language be changed to read: to the extent possible the systems shall not be <br />visible. <br />Councilmember Holden asked if staff had a definition for landscaping within the proposed <br />ordinance. <br />Community Development Director Jagoe reported she did not have a definition for landscaping <br />in the draft solar amendments. She noted the applicant would have to provide screening <br />information to the City. She was of the opinion at the time of installation, the landscaping would <br />have to provide screening. <br />Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:58 p.m. <br />With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:59 p.m. <br />C. Planning Case 23-019 — Chapter 13, Filling And Excavation And Chapter 15, <br />Erosion And Sediment Control <br />Community Development Director Jagoe stated at the April 17, 2023 City Council work <br />session, it was identified that Section 1325.08 Filling and Excavation in the Zoning Code <br />contained language that was inconsistent with Section 1510.01 Erosion and Sediment Control. <br />Council directed staff to update inconsistent language in the ordinance on the amount of land <br />disturbance and fill that can occur on a property triggering a permit. Staff were directed to work <br />with the Public Works Director/City Engineer to review the Filling and Excavation section of the <br />