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b. Ground-mount energy systems must comply with all accessory setback, height <br />and lot coverage restrictions unless otherwise stated herein or a variance is <br />granted and shall not encroach on any City easement unless an easement <br />encroachment agreement approved by the Planning Director or his/her designee <br />after review and approval from the City Engineer or his/her designee has been <br />executed. A certificate of zoning compliance is required for all solar energy <br />systems unless a conditional use permit is required as stated herein. <br />1. The collector surface of a ground-mount system and any foundation, <br />compacted soil, or other component of the solar installation that rests on <br />the ground is considered impervious surface. Vegetated ground under the <br />collector surface can be used to mitigate stonnwater runoff. <br />c. Exemptions. Solar energy systems of a size of six square feet or less may be <br />exempt from zoning district setback requirements. <br />5. Interconnection Agreement. All electric solar energy systems that are connected to the <br />electric distribution or transmission system through the existing service of the primary <br />use on the site shall obtain an interconnection agreement with the electric utility in whose <br />service territory the system is located. Solar energy systems connected directly to the <br />distribution or transmission system must obtain an interconnection agreement with the <br />interconnecting electric utility. Systems that are not directly connected to the grid or not <br />connected to the electric system of a building that is connected to the gird are exempt <br />from this requirement. <br />6. Glare. Glare produced from any solar energy system shall be minimized from affecting <br />adjacent or nearby properties. Measures to minimize glare include selective placement of <br />the system, screening of the solar array, modifying the orientation of the system, reducing <br />use of the reflector system, or other remedies that limit glare. <br />a. Mirror Reflecting Designed Solar Energy Systems. Mirror reflecting designed <br />solar energy systems are pennitted only on properties with ten (10) acres or <br />larger. A conditional use permit is required and more restrictive setback standards <br />may be required upon review of the conditional use permit. <br />7. Code Requirements. Electric solar energy system componements that are connected to a <br />building electric system must have an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listing. All solar <br />installations must comply with the Minnesota and National Electric Code. All rooftop or <br />building integrated solar energy systems require a building pennit and shall comply with <br />the Minnesota Building Code. Solar thennal hot water systems shall comply with <br />applicable Minnesota State Plumbing Code requirements. <br />8. Decommissioning. A decommissioning plan shall be required to ensure that facilities are <br />properly removed after their useful life. Decommissioning of solar panels must occur in <br />the event they are not in use for 12 consecutive months. The plan shall include provisions <br />for removal of all structures and foundations, restoration of soil and vegetation and a plan <br />ensuring financial resources will be available to fully decommission the site. The City <br />may require the posting of a bond, letter of credit or the establishement of an escrow to <br />ensure proper decommissioning. <br />9. Easements Allowed. Solar easements may be filed, consistent with Minnesota Stat. <br />Chapter 500 Section 30. Any building owner can purchase an easement across <br />neighboring properties to protect access to sunlight. The easement is purchased or <br />granted by owners of neighborhing properties and can apply to buildings, trees, or other <br />structures that would diminish solar access. <br />2