Agenda - Council - 11/28/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5.02: Public Hearing: Consider Multiple Actions Related to a Request to Install and Maintain a Ground -Mounted Solar Energy System on the Property legally described as Lot 3, Block 1 River Crossing Addition (Project No. 17-135); Case of Connexus Energy. 1. Appeal for issuance of a Development Permit on an officially mapped parcel. 2. Zoning Amendment to include Solar Energy Systems as a Principal Use with the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit in the Public/Quasi-Public District. 3. Zoning Amendment to Rezone a Property from R-2 Residential to Public/Quasi Public. 4. Conditional Use Permit to Install and Maintain a Solar Energy System. Public Hearing Chairperson Bauer called the public hearing to order at 7:08 p.m. Presentation Community Development Director Gladhill presented the staff report stating Connexus Energy has applied for a Zoning Amendment and a Conditional Use Permit to construct a new solar garden on the property legally described as Lot 3, Block 1 River Crossing Addition (the "Subject Property"). The system would have the capability of producing 3.5 megawatts (MW) with ground mounted solar photovoltaic panels and would include 6 MW of battery energy storage. This is one of three (3) sites within Anoka County that Connexus Energy is developing to produce solar energy. Community Development Director Gladhill reported the Subject Property is owned by Anoka County and would be leased by Connexus Energy. When the City contemplated solar energy systems several years ago, the Zoning Code was amended to consider ground or building mounted solar energy systems as a permitted accessory use in any zoning district. However, it did not account for, or address, the possibility of a solar energy system being the principal use of a property, as would be the case with Connexus' proposal. Community Development Director Gladhill explained both the current zoning standards for solar energy systems and the information submitted by Connexus are attached for reference. The final design plans are in the process of being prepared by the solar developer (based on site work being conducted now) but are not complete at this time. They have stated that they do not anticipate any major changes from the initial proposed layout and the Site Plan would still be subject to review and approval by the City. Staff stated the Environmental Policy Board recommended approval of the Zoning Amendments and Conditional Use Permit. City Staff also supports the recommended approvals as well as the appeal for the issuance of a development permit within an officially mapped area. Citizen Input Chairperson Bauer asked if the City had any zoning districts where solar energy systems were addressed.