5.a 1 SolarOrdinanceAmendmentsPC 7.5.16
Memorandum
To: Scandia Planning Commission Reference: Solar Ordinance Draft Amendments
Copies To: Neil Soltis, Administrator
Brenda Eklund, Clerk
Project No.: 16023.000
From: Sherri Buss, RLA AICP,
Planner
Routing:
Date: June 21, 2016
The Planning Commission discussed potential amendments to the Solar Ordinance on June 7, 2016.
The attached draft includes amendments based on that discussion. Some of the amendments include
options for consideration at the July 5 meeting. The potential changes include:
New item that notes that solar gardens and farms are permitted in the AP District on parcels
with the Agriculture Preserves Program status permits this use.
Removes the item that required a 600-foot setback from wildlife areas and the National Wild and
Scenic Riverway, and replaces this item with a new item in the Performance Standards [Section
(4) (D)] that requires mitigation to protect the values of these special management areas.
Adds requirement that the vertical sketch show the proposed project’s relationship to
surrounding topography and public roadways as well as adjacent structures.
Changes the minimum parcel requirement from 5 to 20 acres, and adds a potential project
maximum size of 80 acres.
Adds an option for the City to require wider setbacks, up to 100 or 150 feet if warranted.
Adds a performance standard related to relationship to the elevation of adjacent roadways.
Adds an option for the City to require a vegetative buffer or screening up to 95% of the view of
the array from adjacent parcels.
Adds a performance standard for use of wildlife-friendly fencing.
The Planner also added a sketch that shows the site plan for the Forest Lake HoldCo solar garden (at
TH 97 and Manning) that shows the reduction in the project area if a 100’ foot setback is required and if
a 400’ setback is required, per the Commission request on June 7.
The PC should discuss the proposed amendments and finalize its recommendations so that a public
hearing can be scheduled at the August 2nd meeting.