#15 - CEF Solar Farm CUP - Laserfiche WebLink

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8 Included as an attachment. In this memo, the City’s Landscape Architect requested additional information on tree condition and type before determining whether landscaping requirements. The memo also requesting changes to the tree preservation plan to protect existing trees during construction. The applicant responded to these requires in the February 22, 2022 resubmittal. On March 2, 2022, the Landscape Architect provided an updated memo stating additional information is still needed from the applicant before the tree preservation plan can be considered complete. On March 8, 2022, the applicant provided an updated landscaping plan that addressed each of the comments presented in the March 2nd memo. The applicant submitted revised landscape plans on February 17th 2023. On February 28th 2023 the Landscape Architect proved an updated memo with notes to revise the species of proposed trees within the wetland and to revise the plans to provide provisions for irrigation, and revise planting plan and plating legends as noted to achieve the desired screening and ensure adequate survival of plants. On March 13th 2023 the Landscape Architect provided an updated memo waving the request to wrap the trees to the South due to adjacent trees and the applicants need for sun exposure to the South. The applicant has agreed to revise tree spacing requirements on the plan and address comments of the March 13th 2023 memo. Based on Councils discussion at the March 21st 2023 meeting the applicant submitted a revised elevation view at the time of planting. The applicant has agreed to revise the composition of the trees to include 25% deciduous trees, install an opaque fence, and reduced tree spacing to the recommended 12 feet. A revised landscape plan approved by the City's Landscape Architect and 9 foot trees at the time of planting have been included as a conditions of approval. PUBLIC COMMENT A public hearing notice was published in the Stillwater Gazette and send to surrounding proeprty owners on November 12, 2021. Staff received one comment in response to the application that is included as an attachment. A public hearing for the request was held at the November 22, 2021 Planning Commission Meeting. Six residents spoke at the public hearing. Two commenter spoke in support of the solar garden. One commenter spoke against the solar garden, citing concerns over sound and requesting a noise study be completed. Three commenter spoke against the solar garden, citing concerns about how the project would impact parcels under their ownership. A second public hearing was published in the Stillwater Gazette on March 10th 2023 and mailed notices to owners of property within 350’ of the site were mailed on March 8th 2023. Staff received one written notice of support and at the Public Hearing, one resident spoke in favor of the proposal. RECOMMENDED FINDINGS Conditional use means a land use or development as defined by ordinance that would not be appropriate generally but may be allowed with appropriate restrictions as provided by official controls only upon a finding that all of the following provisions are met. 1.The proposed use will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, comfort, convenience or general welfare of the neighborhood or the city. The proposed use will not be detrimental or in any way endanger the public health, safety, comfort. Conditions intended to mitigate any potential impact have been included in the CUP, and include items such as