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05.b City Council Solar Ordinance Presentation - FinalRequest To Change Solar Ordinance No.: 210 Mike, Molly and Julian Lubke Summary of Ordinance Changes Requested 1.Update ordinance to allow agriculture and perennial crops within and around the array 2.Update screening requirements 3.Update ordinance to allow Distribution SES in Ag C Surrounded Shoreland district 4.Update vegetation requirements (1) Update ordinance to allow agriculture and perennial crops within and around the array CLICK HERE: https://youtu.be/u_hRm-WFM1M •Biomass •Cover Crops •Enterprise Development •Forages and Grasslands •Native Plants •Perennial Grains, Oilseeds & Pulses •Warm-Season Annual Grains •Winter Annual Grains & Oilseeds •Woody Perennials (2) Update screening requirements •Ordinance 210 4.34B 4(G):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 array owner with escrow to be used as payment. (for ease of enforcement) •Perennial Crop Example: •Hazelnuts •Minnesota Native •10-12 feet •Great for screening (3) Update ordinance to allow Distribution SES in Ag C Surrounded 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: (3) Update ordinance to allow Distribution SES in Ag C Surrounded Shoreland district 1)All structures and facilities must not disrupt the view from any public throughway to a water body 2)Waterbody creating the shoreland overlay must be completely encapsulated within the AG C zoning district 3)*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 4)*No intensive vegetation clearing allowed to site solar facilities. Additional conditions: Properties affected: •Will not affect bodies of water that are touching Rural Residential zoning (4) 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. Benefits of Ordinance Change to Community •More accountability will improve screening within the community to preserve rural heritage, scenic views and landowner rights •Helps secure, preserve and create farming opportunities in the community for the short and long-term aligning with Scandia’s comprehensive plan •Water quality improvement through increased permeation into soil under solar array •Water quality improvement through reduced erosion and nutrient sediment into water bodies •Environmentally friendly energy production Build a regenerative focused farm with projects to include: •Solar •financial backbone to fund farming ventures •Rotational sheep and animal grazing •Pastured meat chickens •Hazelnut tree rows •U of M Forever Green Crops Our Goals Thank you!