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6 <br /> <br />poles, so it is not possible to fully screen all of these elements. Some communities require a solid <br />row of plantings to fully screen the panels, whereas, others require landscaping to buffer the use. <br />The primary difference is that the screening is intended to ensure that the panels are not visible <br />from the adjacent properties and the buffering uses landscaping to soften the impact but does not <br />require a solid planting row and can result in a more natural landscape. <br /> <br />If the Planning & Zoning Board supports Community Solar Gardens in the City, they <br />should provide direction on screening/buffering goals. <br /> <br />Decommissioning <br /> <br />The City could consider establishing standards for decommissioning a community solar garden <br />when it ceases to operate. Because this is a new technology, communities don’t fully understand <br />the end-of-operations strategy, communities are requiring financial guarantees to ensure <br />decommissioning of the facilities. <br /> <br />The key question for the City is whether to require a financial guarantee to remain in place <br />throughout the life of the solar garden. If the City chooses to allow community solar gardens, this <br />should be an item to consider and review. If you choose to proceed, staff will bring back options <br />for financial guarantees through decommissioning. <br /> <br />Permitting <br /> <br />There are different processes for city review of solar and it may differ depending on the type of <br />solar and the zoning district in which it is located. It could be as simple as a building permit for <br />construction or it could be required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit or Interim Use Permit to <br />allow the development. <br /> <br />The Zoning Ordinance defines allowed uses in each zoning district as: <br />1. Principal - One which determines the predominant use as contrasted to accessory <br />building, structure or use. <br />2. Accessory – use or structure on the same lot with, and of a nature customarily incidental <br />and subordinate to, the principal use or structure. <br />3. Conditional Use - A use classified as conditional generally may be appropriate or <br />desirable in a specific zone, but requires special approval because if not carefully located <br />or designed it may create special problems such as excessive height or bulk, abnormal <br />traffic congestion or environmental disruption. <br />4. Interim Use – Similar to a condition use, but an interim use has a “sunset clause” where <br />the use will cease to be allowed (usually a certain date or some definable action). <br /> <br />If the Council supports Community Solar Gardens and Farms, staff recommends that they be <br />processed via an Interim Use Permit in any district that the Council finds them to be desirable. <br />