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Background On November 27, 2023, the City Council reviewed Planning Case 23-018 from Mr. Wahlberg for a request to amend city ordinances to allow for ground -mounted solar energy systems in residential zoning districts. The Council tabled action in order to provide an opportunity for Council to speak with Planning Commissioners and city staff on the proposed language and to bring this item back to a future work session meeting for additional discussion. Based on discussions with Councilmember Monson, city staff provided two draft ordinances for Council review and discussion at the January 8, 2024 City Council Work Session. Direction was given by the Council to bring forward the draft ordinance with references to screening requirements removed and revisions to allow for ground -mounted solar energy systems to be located in the side yard and remove language for glare and nonfunctioning systems. Findings of Fact The Planning Commission reviewed this application at their November 8, 2023 meeting and have offered the following findings of fact for consideration: 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 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. City of Arden Hills City Council Meeting for February 12, 2024 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2023\PC 23-018, Wahlberg Solar Energy System — CA Page 2 of 6