5.b1 Public Comments_CUP at 14025 185th StreetPublic Comments
Conditional Use Permit at 14025 185th Street North
1
From: Paul Hand
Sent: Thursday, 9/28/2023 2:56 PM
To: TJ Hofer <tj.hofer@bolton-menk.com>
Cc: b.eklund <b.eklund@ci.scandia.mn.us>; Kyle Morell <k.morell@ci.scandia.mn.us>
Subject: Re: Solar Panel at 14025 185th St North
TJ,
Thank you. I would plan on including the survey portion of the plan since I just went out there and
taking into account my fence is moved in from the property line those flags do suggest that they are in
fact where the arrays will be constructed. As marked, they would sit right on the property line. I
assume there is a setback that is needed from those lines? I called the county and they referred me
back to Scandia on what the setback requirements are. Can you answer that question? Are they the
same as a building setback?
I'm also proposing that there be some sort of visual barrier included in the plan. From where the white
flags are currently planted it does NOT match the site plan provided, someone may want to investigate
that further. The site plan shows a 64.5" distance to the property line. I've included a picture of me
standing at the fence on my property (set in approx 10' from actual property line) and as you can see,
that is certainly not 64.5' away.
Since the Rigwalds haven't approached me with any type of ask for an easement I'm assuming that in
the future if I chose to plant trees in that area and it somehow affected the panels with shade that there
wouldn't be a problem? I'm not trying to be a jerk, just looking out for my property value and
such. Depending on my work schedule next week I may or may not be able to attend the meeting,
please consider this my written concerns. Thanks again for the reply, looking forward to the answers for
above.
Public Comments
Conditional Use Permit at 14025 185th Street North
2
On Thu, Sep 28, 2023 at 11:37 AM TJ Hofer <tj.hofer@bolton-menk.com> wrote:
Paul,
I can’t speak to what the flags are. I don’t know that Rigwald has a surveyor working on the property,
but if there is concern we could include identifying property lines within our approval. This is generally
done in some form anyways, but we can make it explicit to be sure. Staff will usually include a condition
that the actual construction needs to match the site plan submitted, so assuming it’s approved as
recommended by staff, that requirement will be in there.
Regarding screening, you are correct that there is nothing shown or proposed. Local SES is only required
to be screened from the right-of-way. Because this requires a CUP, the Council can include reasonable
conditions be placed upon the permit. This could include additional screening.
I would suggest either attending the public hearing to express your concerns or submitting a written
statement that details them.
Thank you,
T.J. Hofer
Planner II
Bolton & Menk, Inc.
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From: Paul Hand
Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2023 11:14 AM
To: TJ Hofer <tj.hofer@bolton-menk.com>
Cc: b.eklund <b.eklund@ci.scandia.mn.us>; Kyle Morell <k.morell@ci.scandia.mn.us>
Subject: Re: Solar Panel at 14025 185th St North
Question on the site plan versus what I see out next to my property line: In the site plan picture it
shows the arrays a ways back from the property line but there are white marking flags that extend all
the way up to my property line. They may actually extend onto my property as I'm not sure the
Rigwalds know that my fence is set back from the actual property line by approximately 10'. I'll take a
picture and send it later today but just wanted to note that.
Also, I'm wondering about any type of visual barrier included in the plan? I don't see anything on the
pdf. I know from working in the solar field for a company here in MN that all solar farms have that
included in the build. I recognize that this isn't exactly a solar farm but the size of the panel install is
much larger than the average 12kw-15kw installs seen at single unit (house only) installations. The size
of the proposed system seems a bit oversized for a single home?
Paul Hand
Public Comments
Conditional Use Permit at 14025 185th Street North
3
On Wed, Sep 27, 2023 at 10:03 PM TJ Hofer <tj.hofer@bolton-menk.com> wrote:
Paul,
To save you some research/calculations, the proposed combined square footage is 1,540 sq. ft. The staff
report will be published on Friday. Please check the City website at EOD Friday/over the weekend for
more details.
Thank you,
T.J. Hofer
Planner II
Bolton & Menk, Inc.
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From: Paul Hand
Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 10:43 AM
To: mail <mail@ci.scandia.mn.us>
Subject: Solar Panel at 14025 185th St North
I received the notification of the public hearing scheduled for October 3, 2023 for the conditional use
permit to allow a local service solar energy system larger than 800 square feet. Just how large is the
panel then? And what is the setback from my property lines? I'm the neighbor at 13961 185th St North
and the flags marking the location look awfully close to my property line. Please advise.
Paul Hand