08. Memo on Solar Farm Moratorium Study 12062022
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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: November 30, 2022
SUBJECT: Solar Farm Moratorium and Study
MEETING DATE: December 6, 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 in late 2021/early 2022 that would open
certain shoreland areas, the City Council looked at reviewing the current zoning regulations of such uses.
The City Council then issued a moratorium on new solar farms within the city. The moratorium 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
The city conducted a survey earlier this year in order to get some feedback on the issue. At the Planning
Commission level, we have reviewed the ordinances of other nearby communities, focusing on what is
similar, and what is different from their ordinances and ours. The Planning Commission reviewed the
results of the survey at a recent meeting, noting that the responses received showed nearly an even split
on whether new solar farms should be allowed or not. Based on the survey results, and discussions on
the topic during the moratorium, the commissioners las t month looked to draft a memo outlining their
findings on the study for the City Council to review. On the following page is a draft for the commissioners
to review, and amend as needed, prior to forwarding to the council.
Solar Farm Moratorium & Study December 6, 2022
Scandia Planning Commission Page 2
The Planning Commission has been studying the issue of Solar Farms, as directed by the Council in their
moratorium. As part of the study, the commission has reviewed other solar farm ordinances, and solicited
comments and feedback from the community via a survey. Based on review of other ordinances, and the
results of the survey, the Planning Commission has the following findings/recommendations:
Avoid decision-making and ordinance requirements based on capacity of energy companies.
While capacity may be limited today, capacity and market demand can change in the future faster
than an ordinance.
Allowing new solar farms, but in specific areas of the city, such as through an overlay zone that
identifies appropriate locations and protects view sheds from development, instead of basing
locations on the base zoning of the parcel.
Consider requirements to limit or prohibit new solar farms within a distance of 1,000 feet of
arterial roads.
Add more effective screening requirements to new solar farms.
Require that boxes and poles are minimized or screened, so as to reduce impacts to view sheds.
Consider and research new or non-traditional options that result in immediate screening of new
solar farms, such as requiring screening at a level of 100% prior to construction.