7. Draft of Potential Survey Questions re Distribution Solar1. Are you a resident of Scandia
a. Yes
b. No
2. If a resident of Scandia, what is your address?
a. Open ended response
3. The city permits both small-scale solar installations for residences, referred to as ‘Local Solar
Energy Systems’ or ‘Local SES’, and larger commercial-scale solar developments, referred to as
‘Distribution SES’. Would you support allowing additional/new ‘Distribution SES’ in the city in
the future?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Not sure
4. Do you think there are too many, just enough, or not enough Distribution SES in the city?
a. Too many
b. Just enough
c. Not enough
5. If you answered that there are ‘Too many’ or ‘just enough’ Distribution SES in the city, why did
you choose that?
a. Open ended response
6. The City Council recently issued a moratorium on new Distribution SES in order to study
potential changes to the regulations for Distribution SES. Items that the Planning Commission
will consider during this study include: density and concentration of Distribution SES, different
screening requirements, effects of Distribution SES on other uses in the city, effects of
Distribution SES on environmental conditions of surrounding areas, requirements for permitting,
ability to connect to the existing electrical grid. Is there a specific issue(s) or concerns you’d like
the Commission to discuss during their study in addition to the ones listed above?
a. Open ended response OR let individual list different issues/concerns
7. Distribution SES are permitted by a Conditional Use Permit, which means any new Distribution
SES requires a public hearing with the Planning Commission and approval from the city council.
The city council can attach conditions onto a conditional use permit that can address issues or
concerns with the proposed development. Do you support allowing Distribution SES through this
permitting process?
a. Yes
b. No, I prefer to see a process where city staff review and issue a permit for approval
c. I would prefer to no longer permit additional Distribution SES in the city
8. Distribution SES are only permitted on parcels that are zoned (AG C) (include link to zoning map
for reference). Would you support allowing Distribution SES in other zoning districts, in addition
to areas zoned AG C?
a. Yes
b. No, maintain existing requirement (only permit in areas zoned AG C)
c. I would prefer restrictions that would limit new Distribution SES to a select number of
areas/locations in the city
d. I would prefer to no longer permit additional Distribution SES in the city
9. Would you support additional regulations that would further limit where Distribution SES can
potentially be built, such as requiring Distribution SES to be at minimum distance away from
other Distribution SES?
a. Yes
b. No, I don’t think this requirement is necessary
c. I would prefer no additional Distribution SES are built in the city
10. Would you support additional regulations that would further limit where Distribution SES can
potentially be built, such as requiring Distribution SES to only be on lots of a certain size?
a. Yes
b. No, I don’t think this requirement is necessary
c. I would prefer no additional Distribution SES are built in the city
11. New Distribution SES are required to be screened from roadways and residences on neighboring
parcels during the summer months. Plantings and landscaping installed on the site is to grow
and provide screening 4 years after installation. Would you like to see new Distribution SES be
screened sooner than 4 years after installation? This could include requiring berms and mature
trees be installed, or installing a ‘scenic canvas’ that blocks view of the development while
plantings grow?
a. Yes
b. No, the current requirements are OK
c. I would prefer no additional Distribution SES are built in the city
12. Are there additional thoughts or comments you would like to share?
a. Open ended response
13. After answering these questions, would you like to participate in future surveys or discussions
on this topic?
a. Yes
b. No
14. If you answered yes, please provide your email
a. Open ended response