Laserfiche WebLink
STAFF ORIGINATOR: <br />P & Z MEETING DATE: <br />REQUEST: <br />CASE NUMBER: <br />APPLICANTS: <br />OWNERS: <br />REVIEW SCHEDULE: <br />BACKGROUND <br />PLANNING & ZONING BOARD <br />AGENDA ITEM 7B <br />Katie Larsen, City Planner <br />May 11, 2015 <br />Community Solar Gardens (Discussion Only) <br />None <br />City Initiated <br />NA <br />NA <br />Staff has received several phone calls from residents and private solar companies regarding the <br />installation of community solar gardens in Lino Lakes. <br />In 2013, the Minnesota Legislature enacted Minn. Stat. I I6C.7792 that requires Xcel Energy to <br />provide financial incentives to promote the installation of solar energy systems in Minnesota. A <br />community solar garden is a facility that generates electricity by means of a ground -mounted or <br />roof -mounted solar photovoltaic device. Subscribers receive a credit on their energy bill for the <br />electricity generated in proportion to the size of their subscription. <br />Solar gardens may vary in size. The inquiries we've received are for ground -mounted systems on <br />10-80 acre sites with 25 year lease cycles. <br />ANALYSIS <br />The city ordinance does not address community solar gardens; therefore they are not permitted. <br />We anticipate a land use application submission requesting a text amendment to allow for these <br />types of structures. Staff wanted to present the Planning & Zoning Board with the concept for <br />preliminary discussion and feedback. <br />Points to consider: <br />1. Type of zoning district? <br />a. Rural <br />b. Industrial <br />c. Public/Semi-public <br />2. Minimum lot size? <br />