06-04-2018 Council Work Session Packet

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3 Key Issues The Lino Lakes zoning ordinance does not specifically allow solar as a principal or accessory use. However, there are provisions within the code that allow flexibility in height for solar panels attached to buildings and flexibility for landscaping standards in cases where the landscaping may cause shading of the panels. Resident demand for solar panels has been limited to individual houses or one or two ground- mounted panels. Solar panels have been treated by City staff as accessory structures, and residents have been required to obtain a building permit. The applicant is requesting solar panels on a much larger scale. Typically, a one MW solar garden requires a minimum of five-acres of land for installation of solar panels and the associated infrastructure. Cities are not required to allow community solar gardens. However, we have reviewed a number of other ordinances and model ordinances (a small sample is attached to this report) to provide information about things that should be considered if the City wishes to allow them. Types of Solar/Definitions As we move through the ordinance development, we will use a number terms to describe different components and styles of solar. For the purpose of discussion, we are starting with the following terms and definitions. These will likely be revised, but it is starting point for the discussion. These terms are taken from several different sources: Building-integrated Solar Energy Systems - 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 hot water solar energy systems that are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and awnings. Community 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, consistent with Minn. Statutes 216B.1641 or successor statute. A community solar system may be either an accessory or a principal use. Ground Mounted Solar Energy System – a solar energy system that is structurally mounted to the ground, generally upon a pole or rack mount. A ground mounted system may be a fixed or tracking system. Roof Mounted Solar Energy System – a solar energy system that is structurally mounted to the roof of a structure. These systems are generally affixed with a racking system and may be flush or angled.