7. Lubke City Council Solar Ordinance PresentationRequest To Change Solar Ordinance No.: 210
Mike, Molly and Julian Lubke
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Summary of Ordinance Changes Requested
Update ordinance to allow agriculture and perennial crops within and around the array
Update screening requirements
Update ordinance to allow Distribution SES in Ag C Surrounded Shoreland district
Update vegetation requirements
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(1) Update ordinance to allow agriculture and perennial crops within and around the array
CLICK HERE: https://youtu.be/u_hRm-WFM1M
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(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
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(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:
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(3) Update ordinance to allow Distribution SES in Ag C Surrounded 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:
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Properties affected:
Will not affect bodies of water that are touching Rural Residential zoning
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(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.
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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
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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
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Thank you!
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