2.a Request To Change Shoreland District Rules on SolarRequest To Change Solar Ordinance
Mike, Molly and Julian Lubke
1
Summary of Ordinance Changes Requested
Update screening requirements
Update ordinance to allow Distribution SES in Shoreland district
Update vegetation requirements
2
(1) Update screening requirements
Ordinance 210 4.34B 4(G): All components of the Distribution SES shall be screened by setbacks, berming, existing vegetation, terrain, landscaping, or a combination thereof. The solar
array shall be screened from view from nearby or affected properties using the same screening elements, and may require a vegetative buffer of height sufficient to provide a visual
screen of the solar from adjacent rights-of-way, and from residences on adjacent parcels existing at the time of installation, as viewed from six (6) feet above ground level at the
residential structural wall that sits closest to the solar installation. The visual screen shall fully obscure view of the solar panels during the summer months. The required screening
shall be achieved within four (4) growing seasons from the date of project approval. At least thirty (30) percent and at most fifty (50) percent of the area of the vegetative buffer,
as measured in square feet, shall be composed of evergreen plantings interspersed throughout the screen. The City will require the posting of a bond, letter of credit or the establishment
of an escrow account to ensure vegetation is installed and establishes itself as identified in the approved permit, based on an estimated cost for plantings and labor provided by the
applicant. The planting and screening plan shall utilize the recommended plant types described in Chapter 2, Section3.12(4)(G) or perennial crops and must be approved by the City. If
after the four (4) growing seasons the array does not meet the requirements of this ordinance, an escalating quarterly penalty will be assessed to the parcel owner.
3
(2) Update ordinance to allow Distribution SES in Shoreland district
4.34(B) Distribution Scale Solar Energy System - (Distribution SES) Distribution SES are allowed within the Agriculture Core (AG C) zoning district and require a Conditional Use Permit.
As a primary use, a Distribution SES is permitted to the extent that it is the primary use on a property and operates to distribute energy to predominantly off-site users, and shall
comply with the following requirements:
(I) Districts and Size Limits
(A) Distribution SES are allowed within the Agriculture Core (AG C) zoning district with a Conditional Use Permit.
(B) Distribution SES are prohibited in the following areas:
I. Within areas designated under City of Scandia Ordinance as St. Croix River District or Shoreland District and their associated setback areas unless all conditions stated
below are met:
Current Ordinance Prohibiting Distribution SES in Shoreland district:
4
(2) Update ordinance to allow Distribution SES in Shoreland district
All structures and facilities must not disrupt the view from any public throughway to a water body
Waterbody creating the shoreland overlay must be completely encapsulated within the AG C zoning district
*All structures and facilities must not impact views from public waters through use limits on structure height, berming, existing vegetation, terrain, landscaping, or a combination thereof
*No intensive vegetation clearing allowed to site solar facilities.
Additional conditions:
5
Properties affected:
Will not affect bodies of water that are touching Rural Residential zoning
6
(3) Update Vegetation Requirements
Ordinance 210 4.34B 3(I): All ground areas under solar array installs that are not occupied by equipment or essential access paths and area within shore impact zone, shall be planted
with a deep rooted, native grass and pollinator seed mix suitable to the soil and moisture conditions of the immediate area. See the MNDNR Prairie Establishment & Maintenance Technical
Guidance for Solar Projects. Plant growth shall be stable and self-supporting within two (2) growing seasons from the date of project approval.
7
Benefits of Ordinance Change
More accountability will improve screening within the community to preserve rural heritage and scenic views
Water quality improvement through increased permeation into soil under solar array
Water quality improvement through reduced erosion and nutrient sediment into water bodies
Long term soil improvement for future farming based on 2040 comp plan
Create security for the property for the long term to preserve agricultural nature
8
Our Goals
Build a regenerative focused farm with projects to include:
solar
financial backbone to fund other ventures
rotational sheep and animal grazing
pastured meat chickens
hazelnut tree rows
In communication with U of M to install select hazelnuts to help develop Minnesota’s 3rd crop
Great for screening
9
Thank you!
10