06-04-2018 Council Work Session Packet

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AMENDMENT TO CHISAGO COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 08-03 AMENDING THE CHISAGO COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE BY ADDING STANDARDS AND DEFINITIONS FOR SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS, SOLAR ENERGY FARMS AND FOR THEIR INSTALATION AND USE IN CHISAGO COUNTY THE CHISAGO COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONER ORDAINS: The following language is hereby added to the Chisago County Zoning Ordinance: 7.31 SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS A. GENERAL PROVISIONS. 1. Purpose and Intent Chisago County finds that it is in the public interest to encourage the use and development of renewable energy systems that enhance energy conservation efforts, but result in limited adverse impact on nearby properties. As such, the County supports the use of solar energy collection systems and the development of solar energy farms. Chisago County also finds that the development of solar energy farms should be balanced with the protection of the public health, safety and welfare. The County resolves that the following standards shall be adopted to ensure that solar energy systems and solar energy farms can be constructed within Chisago County while also protecting public safety and the natural resources of the County. Consistent with the Chisago County Comprehensive Plan, it is the intent of the County with this Section to create standards for the reasonable capture and use, by households, businesses and property owners, of their solar energy resource, and to encourage the development and use of solar energy. 2. Severability The provisions of this Section shall be severable and the invalidity of any paragraph, subparagraph or subdivision thereof shall not make void any other paragraph, subparagraph or subdivision of this section. 3. Applicability These regulations shall apply to all solar energy systems and solar energy farms on properties and structures under the jurisdiction of the Chisago County Zoning. Those systems shall be defined as solar farms generating less than 50 megawatts of power. Chisago County shall refer any application for a large electric power generating plant (LEPGP) to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MN PUC) for approval. An LEPGP shall be defined as any solar energy system capable of producing more than 50 megawatts of power. B. DEFINITIONS. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Section, shall have the meaning provided herein, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise: Building or Other Architecturally-Integrated Solar Energy System: An active solar energy system that is an integral part of a principal or accessory building, rather than a separate mechanical device, replacing or substituting for an architectural or structural component of the building. Building-integrated systems include, but are not limited to, photovoltaic or thermal solar systems that are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights and awnings. CSES: Community solar energy system. Community Solar Energy System (also called a “Solar Garden”): A solar-electric (photovoltaic) array that provides retail electric power (or a financial proxy for retail power) to multiple community members or businesses residing or located off-site from the location of the solar energy system. Ground Mounted Panels: Freestanding solar panels mounted to the ground by use of stabilizers or similar apparatus. Large Energy Power Generating Plant (LEPGP): Any Solar Energy System capable of producing 50 megawatts or more of power.