6. Discussion on community solar ordinance1
Neil Soltis
From:Jane Qualey <jane.qualey@us-solar.com>
Sent:Thursday, August 30, 2018 1:58 PM
To:Neil Soltis
Subject:Re: 8/7 Planning Commission Mtg
Hi Neil,
We're still researching ordinances with the 1-pole language and so far none have come up. Scandia might be a
pioneer, here.
What we suggest is the below language. I think it would be wise to leave it open to the discretion of the
Planning Commission in case there are special circumstances that would require more than one interconnection
pole and it would not not negatively impact the visual character of the area. The same goes for the screening
language: every site will have different needs. Some example language is below along with a summary of my
answers from the Planning Commission meeting.
If reenacting the original development code, this would be for Chapter 2 Section 4.33 Part 3 on page 106.
Interconnection Pole Language
...the applicant will add a maximum of 1 interconnection utility poles inside the project premises. Any
additional above ground poles on the site premises will need to be approved at the discretion of the planning
commission.
Screening Language
...Solar Farms and Community Solar Gardens shall be screened from residential dwellings, right-of-ways and
other land uses as required by the Planning Commission.
Summary of some of my answers, below. Thanks for your time on this, Neil! Let me know what else you need.
-Jane
----
1. Whether the continued expansion of the use will negatively impact the use and enjoyment
of other property in the immediate vicinity of the solar project.
We are proud to be partnering with Prairie Restoration, a local landscaping firm, in the design and
implementation of our landscape screening and habitat. Unlike other developers, we enforce extensive
landscape screening throughout our projects that includes planting native trees such as the Techny Arborvitae
and Cardinal Dogwood. Planting these in rows outside of our array will effectively shield the array from
neighbors, as shown in our examples. We also will be planting pollinator-friendly habitat within the array. This
array will only contribute to the local native habitats and the rural character of Scandia. Other projects, with the
same landscape standards, can also successfully integrate with the area.
2. Whether the use will have negative impacts on the value of nearby properties which impacts
will not be known until there are sufficient real estate transactions completed after the current
Solar Farms and Community Solar Gardens are constructed to determine their impacts.
2
With the findings of Chair Squyres, as noted: A study done in Chisago County shows no impact on property
values to properties adjacent to community solar gardens. In addition to these findings, it is important to note
that the North Star Project, the garden used in the study, does not have landscape screening.
3. Whether the use will negatively impact the normal and orderly development and
improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the applicable zoning districts.
The construction period is approximately 5 months from mobilization to completion. Roughly 8 weeks of that
time will involve active construction traffic. The rest of the time is used for utility testing, construction
mapping, and other development needs that do not involve extensive mobilization. After the construction
period, there will be minimal traffic to the site, maintaining the natural traffic-flow of the surrounding area. The
development of this garden will entail a Stormwater Prevention Plan, along with Geotechnical Surveys that will
ensure the integrity of drainage patterns and neighboring habitats.
4. Whether the impacts of the development of additional community solar farms and
community solar gardens will conflict with the vision expressed in the 2030 Comprehensive
Plan that Scandia maintain its unique rural character, agricultural heritage, historic charms
and natural resources, based on the City’s experience with the difficulties of screening this
use from public roadways and surrounding properties.
One of the priorities and visions of the 2030 Comp Plan is to protect the natural resources of Scandia.
Encouraging locally-made clean energy that integrates with the landscape and also contributes to natural habitat
will support these values and help Scandia meet its goals.
On Mon, Aug 20, 2018 at 9:38 AM, Jane Qualey <jane.qualey@us-solar.com> wrote:
Hi Neil,
Hope you had a good weekend.
After some investigation, it looks like you can only limit the number of poles on the site property, not within
the Xcel Easement. We can work out language to limit the installation to just one pole on the site (which is a
big improvement), but as far as Xcel is concerned they have jurisdiction over how many poles are on their
line.
Were you able to connect with Xcel, as well? Talk soon. -Jane
On Thu, Aug 9, 2018 at 9:46 AM, Neil Soltis <n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us> wrote:
Jane
I think the issue of the interconnection is the biggest impediment, but I’m not sure how we could bind Xcel Energy into
the future. Once you have gathered the information I will try to set up a call or meeting with Xcel.
Neil
From: Jane Qualey [mailto:jane.qualey@us-solar.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 8, 2018 3:22 PM
To: Neil Soltis <n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us>
Subject: 8/7 Planning Commission Mtg
3
Hi Neil,
Thanks for letting me attend the meeting last night. I honestly enjoyed hearing the debate regarding grading
regulations-- pretty interesting.
I'm checking in with my team about the interconnection concerns and hopefully will get back to you next
week with some info. Stay tuned and let me know if anything comes up in the meantime.
Talk soon and thanks. -Jane
--
Jane Qualey – Project Development
United States Solar Corporation
100 N 6th St, Suite 218C, Minneapolis, MN 55403
O: 612.930.4108 x31 M: 612.260.2230
jane.qualey@us-solar.com
us-solar.com
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Jane Qualey – Project Development
United States Solar Corporation
100 N 6th St, Suite 218C, Minneapolis, MN 55403
O: 612.930.4108 x31 M: 612.260.2230
jane.qualey@us-solar.com
us-solar.com
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copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, or if any problems occur with transmission, please
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--
Jane Qualey – Project Development
United States Solar Corporation
100 N 6th St, Suite 218C, Minneapolis, MN 55403
O: 612.930.4108 x31
jane.qualey@us-solar.com
us-solar.com
Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented
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The information contained in this message is privileged and confidential, and is intended only for the use of the individual named above and others who
have been specifically authorized to receive it. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or
copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, or if any problems occur with transmission, please
contact sender.