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Motion Carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Levine, Commissioners Field, Brauer, Nosan, and <br />VanScoy. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioners Bauer and Maul. <br />Chairperson Levine closed the public hearing closed at 8:15 p.m. <br />Commission Business <br />Commissioner Brauer suggested the height of the solar panels be the setback from property lines <br />within the proposed Ordinance. He questioned how the City would handle a neighbors' right to <br />plant trees or shrubs, which may restrict sunlight. City Planner Anderson stated the use of solar <br />access easements have been discussed. Development Services Manager Gladhill reported code <br />does have some language in place that offers some protection to homeowners that choose to <br />install solar panels. <br />Commissioner Field clarified that the City was adopting an Ordinance that would amend City <br />Code to establish minimum standards for alternative energy sources and not a solar program for <br />Connexus Energy. <br />Commissioner Field requested further information on wind energy conversion systems (WECS). <br />City Planner Anderson discussed WECS in detail with the Commission. <br />Commissioner VanScoy asked if a solar panel could be placed in the front yard. City Planner <br />Anderson stated this was permissible under current code. <br />Commissioner VanScoy expressed concern with the placement of solar panels in residential <br />areas. He did not have any concerns with them being located in commercial or industrial zoning <br />districts. He believed that solar panels should not be allowed in front yards. <br />Commissioner Brauer stated front yards should be allowed for larger lots in north Ramsey. City <br />Planner Anderson commented this issue could be tied to the accessory structure code and would <br />address setbacks and heights. <br />Commissioner Field suggested solar panels only be considered in front yards through a <br />conditional use process, as this would be an aesthetic issue. <br />Chairperson Levine questioned how the Commission should move forward. Development <br />Services Manager Gladhill suggested the Commission recommend the Ordinance as amended, <br />with the residential ground mounted units meeting City Code Chapter 117.349, which is the <br />accessory structure requirements. <br />Commissioner Brauer recommended staff address glare issues on ground mounted solar panels <br />within the Ordinance as well. <br />Commissioner VanScoy agreed and requested safety measures be added to address ground <br />mounted residential solar panels within the Ordinance. <br />Planning Commission/May 1, 2014 <br />Page 5 of 8 <br />