6. Memo on Solar Farm Moratorium Study
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Memorandum
To: Scandia Planning Commission Reference: Solar Farm Study & Moratorium
Copies To: Brenda Eklund, Clerk
Ken Cammilleri, City
Administrator
Project No.: 18408.000
From: Evan Monson, Planner Routing:
Date: April 29, 2022
SUBJECT: Discussion on Solar Farm Moratorium and Study
MEETING DATE: May 2, 2022
BACKGROUND
There are a number of existing Distribution Solar Energy Systems in the city, often referred to as ‘solar
farms’. After considering a potential ordinance amendment that would open certain shoreland areas, the
City Council looked at reviewing the current zoning regulations of such uses.
The City Council recently issued a moratorium on new solar farms within the city. The mo ratorium outlines
a scope of what to include in the study, such as:
• The zoning districts in which distribution SES shall be permitted in
• The density and concentration of distribution SES
• Better addressing concerns with screening
• Better understand the effect of distribution SES on other uses and environmental conditions in
surrounding areas
• Appropriate conditional use permit requirements
• Other items, as needed
Solar Farm Moratorium & Study May 2, 2022
Scandia Planning Commission Page 2
ITEMS TO CONSIDER
While early in the process, it is key to start identifying potential ideas and strategies that could address
the items of study in the moratorium.
Zoning Districts permitting Distribution SES
The commission could look at limiting the use to specific zoning districts in the city, or could look into
more unique ideas such as an overlay zone specific to solar farm sites. Landowners looking to have a
solar farm would have to rezone into the solar overlay prior to getting permits and approvals.
Density and concentration of Distribution SES
The commission should look at possible limitations on locations of solar farms. Requiring a ‘buffer’
between existing and new systems (such as requiring new solar farms to be 1,500 feet from other solar
farms) would prevent solar farms from accumulating in certain areas of the city.
Concerns with screening
The current ordinance has requirements regarding screening of solar farms. Some systems installed
initially in the city when the city had less stringent screening requirements stand out compared to others.
The commission should discuss what ideal or effective screening could entail for new solar farms in the
city, and could tour some existing examples of solar farms in the city.
Understanding the effect of distribution SES on other uses and environmental conditions in surrounding
areas
The commission should look into the impacts of solar farms on their surroundings. If negative impacts are
identified, then remedies to mitigate those impacts can be created.
Conditional use permit requirements
As a conditional use, solar farms require a conditional use permit (CUP). Said CUP can include
conditions that are to address potential concerns or issues with the use that arise or identified during the
review of the CUP. The commission should discuss what conditions work, and what conditions don’t, to
help address concerns with new solar farms moving forward.
Other items to consider
The moratorium is not limited to the items above; the commission is welcome to look at other issues as
well with solar farms. This could include market factors, connections to the electrical grid, and others.
Peer Communities
The commission may want to look at the regulations used by other communities. Some within Minnesota
that could be of value include:
• East Bethel
• Nowthen
• Afton
• North Branch
• Isanti
• Columbus
• Andover
• Credit River
• Cottage Grove
Readings and Research
Instead of reinventing the wheel, existing resources can help aid the commission in studying solar farms.
Included are some links to research and findings from others who have looked at permitting and
regulating solar farms.
Solar Farm Moratorium & Study May 2, 2022
Scandia Planning Commission Page 3
• Case Study of Stearns County, MN
• Model Ordinance – Great Plains Institute