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Variance Board Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, December 5, 2012 Page 3 b. Planning File 12-020 88 Request by Jon Alexander for approval of a VARIANCE to Chapter 1011 (Property 89 Performance Standards) of City Code to allow a reduced setback for a roof- 90 mounted solar energy system at 14 Mid Oaks Road (PF12-020) 91 Vice Chair Strohmeier opened the Public Hearing at approximately 6:46 p.m. 92 Associate Planner Bryan Lloyd provided a brief review of the request by Mr. Alexander, 93 owner of the property, for installation of solar panels on this recently-expanded garage on 94 the east side. Mr. Lloyd noted that this variance request had been a learning process for 95 staff under this newer City Code application requiring a one-foot (1’) setback from the 96 roof edge, basically pertaining to aesthetics for wind loads and access for firefighters. Mr. 97 Lloyd referenced more detailed comments specific to applications of solar panels in 98 Minnesota in Section 4.3 of the staff report. 99 Mr. Lloyd displayed several visual examples of solar panel installations in other 100 communities in the metropolitan area and comparable aesthetics. Mr. Lloyd noted the 101 unique circumstances with this proposed installation for fixed dimensions of panels and 102 the roof; and the practicalities of the system while also achieving setback requirements. 103 Staff recommended approval of the request. 104 Member Boguszewski noted that the installation facing Mid Oaks should not create any 105 aesthetic concerns from neighbors; and would hopefully serve to change the essential 106 character of the neighborhood positively encouraging others to pursue solar options. 107 Member Lester questioned that rationale in restricting or regulating the size of solar 108 panels. 109 Mr. Lloyd advised that he was not aware of standard dimensions for panels; but he didn’t 110 think that the intent of the dimensions were as a function of the roof and panels versus 111 any aesthetic or safety considerations. 112 Member Lester questioned if there was a need to amend code requirements in the future; 113 to which City Planner Thomas Paschke advised that staff was already reviewing that 114 need for amendments internally from a practical application. 115 Member Lester sought clarification as to whether there was any safety issue with the 116 panels located closer to the edge; to which Mr. Lloyd responded that he was not aware of 117 anything other than potential access for firefighters. 118 With a potential fire access issue, Member Lloyd questioned if there was any liability 119 issues for the City to consider in firefighters having seeking access for a building and 120 potentially breaking a panel. 121 Mr. Lloyd advised that, while he hadn’t addressed that consideration in any detail with the 122 Fire Marshal, the Fire Marshal had indicated that he saw no obstacles to this application 123 as presented. 124 Applicant, Rebecca Lundberg, Solar Installer with Powerfully Green (11451 Oregon 125 Avenue N; Champlin, MN) 126 Ms. Lundberg responded to several of the questions raised by Members; and advised 127 that on a flat roof, the panels were never mounted flat, and a four foot (4’) space was left 128 between rows to avoid shade and provide walkway space. When panels are tipped up, 129 Ms. Lundberg advised that specifications for the tilt are outlined by a structural engineer. 130 Ms. Lundberg further advised that flush mount installation in no way increased the wind 131 load for a building, and again was dictated by recommendations made by a structural 132 engineer. Ms. Lundberg noted that the weight was also taken into consideration by 133 structural engineers. 134 Regarding access, Ms. Lundberg advised that the north side of the roof would remain 135 very accessible. 136