Agenda - Council - 11/14/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

lour 1111.1siion: To work together to reiposihty grow our community, and to provide quality, coat -effective, and efficient government ierrlcas. CC Regular Session 7. 1. Meeting Date: 11/14/2017 By: Chris Anderson, Community Development Information Title: Consider Approvals Related to Connexus Energy Solar Array (Project No. 17-135); Case of Connexus Energy 1. Ordinance Amending Official Zoning Map to guide the Property as Public/Quasi-Public to guide future uses 2. Ordinance Amendment Zoning Code amending allowable uses in the Public/Quasi-Public District allowing Solar Energy Systems as a Conditional Use Permit 3. Resolution #17-11-289 Approving Conditional Use Permit Purpose/Background: 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 storage. This is one of three (3) sites within Anoka County that Connexus Energy is developing to produce solar energy. 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. 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. Connexus Energy had originally contemplated an expansion of their existing solar garden on the outlot adjacent to their campus. However, City Staff suggested that they consider alternative locations within the City so that their outlot could be reserved for potential future commercial/industrial development. Connexus Energy did consider a few alternative locations but ultimately entered into negotiations with Anoka County to lease the Subject Property. This case was originally reviewed by the Planning Commission at their September 7, 2017 meeting. A Public Hearing was held (and closed) that evening; however, the Planning Commission tabled action so that the Economic Development Authority (EDA) had an opportunity to review and provide feedback specifically on the potential use of the Connexus Energy campus for the proposed solar installation. The EDA reviewed this case at their September 14, 2017 meeting (minutes attached). Note that their review was specific to the potential use of the outlot owned by Connexus Energy that is part of Connexus' corporate campus.