7.b 3 Resolution 08-16-16-02 Summary Publication of ordinance 174 modifying the performance standards for solar farms and community solar gardensCITY OF SCANDIA
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 08-16-16-02
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SCANDIA, WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA, PROVIDING FOR
THE SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE No. 174, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
ORDINANCE No. 122, THE SCANDIA DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 2, SECTION 4.34, SOLAR
FARMS AND COMMUNITY SOLAR GARDENS
WHEREAS, On August 16, 2016, at a Regular Meeting of the Scandia City Council, by majority
vote, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 174 which amends Ordinance 122 to modify the zoning
districts, permit application requirements, and performance standards for solar farms and community
solar gardens; and
WHEREAS, State law requires that all ordinances adopted be published prior to becoming
effective; and
WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Scandia has determined that publication of the title
and a summary of Ordinance No. 174 would clearly inform the public of the intent and effect of the
Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Scandia has reviewed the summary of Ordinance No.
174 attached and incorporated herein as Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Scandia has determined that the text of the summary
clearly informs the public of the intent and effect of Ordinance No. 174.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council for the City of Scandia hereby:
1. Approves the text of the summary of Ordinance No. 174 attached as Exhibit A.
2. Directs the City Clerk to post a copy of the entire text of Ordinance No. 174 in all public
locations designated by the City Council.
3. Directs the City Clerk to publish the summary in the City’s legal newspaper within ten
days.
4. Directs the City Clerk to file the executed Ordinance upon the books and records of the
City along with proof of publication.
Dated this 16st day of August, 2016.
Randall Simonson, Mayor
ATTEST:
Neil Soltis, Administrator/Clerk
Exhibit A
Ordinance Summary
Ordinance No. 174
ORDINANCE No. 174, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
ORDINANCE No. 122, THE SCANDIA DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 2, SECTION 4.34, SOLAR
FARMS AND COMMUNITY SOLAR GARDENS
On August 16, 2016, at a Regular Meeting of the Scandia City Council, by majority vote, the City Council
adopted Ordinance No. 174, to amend Ordinance 122 to modify the zoning districts, permit application
requirements, and performance standards for solar farms and community solar gardens. The changes
are summarized as follows:
Clarifies when the use is permitted in the Agriculture Preserves District.
Removes the 600-foot setback requirement from wildlife areas and the National Wild and Scenic
Riverway, and replaces it with a new Performance Standards [Section (4) (C)] that requires
mitigation to protect the values of these special management areas.
Adds a requirement that the vertical sketch show the proposed project’s relationship to
surrounding topography and public roadways as well as to adjacent structures.
Eliminates the minimum parcel size requirement.
Establishes a minimum 75’ setback from all parcel boundaries, with options for wider setbacks if
warranted by impacts to adjacent properties.
Adds an option for the City to require a vegetative buffer up to 25’ in depth or screening up to 95%
of the view of the array from adjacent parcels, and a requirement that the screening be achieved
within 2 growing seasons.
Adds a performance standard for use of wildlife-friendly fencing when fencing is included in the
project.
A printed copy of the Ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular office hours at
City Hall or by standard or electronic mail.