7.c Report on amending Chapter 2 of the Development Code to regulate solar energy systems
Memorandum
To: Scandia Planning
Commission
Reference: Accessory Solar Ordinance
Amendment
Copies To: Neil Soltis, City
Administrator
Brenda Eklund, City Clerk
Project No.: 16323.000
From: Sherri Buss, RLA AICP,
Planner
Routing:
Date: September 25, 2017
Background
The City recently repealed the section of the Development Code that permitted Community
Solar Gardens and Farms. During the discussion of the repeal, the Planning Commission and
Council identified a need to update the section of the Code that permits Accessory Solar
Systems, which currently addresses only Passive Solar Energy Systems.
The Planning Commission discussed the Accessory Solar section of the Code at its meeting on
September 5. Staff summarized the Commission’s comments for the City Council at their
meeting on September 19, including the Planning Commission’s comments that the City should
permit Community Solar Gardens as an Accessory Use. The Council discussed this option, and
recommended that Community Solar Gardens not be included in the ordinance amendment.
The Council members believe that the City needs time to review the impacts of Community
Solar Gardens and Solar Farms on the City, and that the Accessory Solar section of the
ordinance should be limited to systems that primarily generate solar energy for the primary use
on the property at this time.
Proposed Ordinance Amendment
A draft Ordinance Amendment is attached that permits Accessory Solar Energy Systems (SES),
and includes proposed performance standards. The Planning Commission should review the
draft for discussion on October 3. Some key issues for the discussion include:
Item 3a: Should the size of ground-mounted SES be limited? For reference, the size of
the system recently permitted on Pilar was 14 kilowatts (kw).
Item 3b.: Should ground-mounted SES m included in the size and number limits for
accessory structures, or not?
Item 3c: Should ground mounted SES be permitted in Shoreland Areas? The Minnesota
DNR has recommended that local governments may permit solar uses in the Shoreland
areas of Recreational Development lakes, but not Natural Environment lakes, with
conditions on locations where they are permitted. Given the large Shoreland areas
within Scandia, if accessory solar uses are prohibited in all shoreland areas, the
potential locations for this use would be limited in Scandia.