Loading...
9.b Draft of Potential Survey Questions re Distribution Solar - 6-13-22The 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, which well be referred to as ‘solar farms’ for the purpose of this survey. 1. Are you a resident of Scandia a. Yes b. No 2. The City Council recently issued a moratorium on new solar farms to study potential changes to regulations. Items that the Planning Commission will consider during this study include: a. Density and Concentration of solar farms b. Screening requirements c. Effects of solar farms on other uses in the city d. Effects of solar farms on environmental conditions of surrounding areas e. Requirements for permitting and the 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? Open ended response 3. If solar farms were screened at 90% or greater immediately upon installation using a berm, scenic canvas and/or natural vegetation, what’s your opinion on allowing additional/new solar farms in the community? (insert/provide a link to scenic canvas) 1 -Strongly Oppose 2 - Oppose 3 - Neutral 4 - Support 5 - Strongly Support 4. Solar farms are only permitted on parcels that are zoned AG C (insert/provide a link to zoning map). Would you support allowing solar farms in other zoning districts, in addition to areas zoned AG C? 1 - Strongly Oppose 2 - Oppose 3 - Neutral 4 - Support 5 - Strongly Support 5. Do you support increasing restrictions on solar farms, such as limiting it to only larger sized lots? 1 - Strongly Oppose 2 - Oppose 3 - Neutral 4 - Support 5 - Strongly Support 6. By requiring deep rooted perennial vegetation underneath the panels, solar farms can help to improve water quality and decrease erosion/runoff. Does this factor improve your favorability level on solar farms? 1 - Strongly Disagree 2 - Disagree 3 - Neutral 4 - Agree 5 - Strongly Agree 7. Are there additional thoughts or comments you would like to share? Open ended response