HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-20CITY OF LAKE ELMO
COUNTY OF WASHINGTON
STATE OF MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO.2023-20
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LAKE ELMO CITY CODE BY
AMENDING THE SOLAR FARM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title 105 Zoning; Chapter
105.12: Zoning Code, Section 620 Table 9-1 is hereby amended by changing the following section
(Proposed language is underlined, deleted language is shown with stfi ,o,-h, ettgh :
105.12.620 Permitted, Conditional, and Interim Uses
Table 9-1 lists all permitted, conditional, and interim uses allowed in the rural districts. "P" indicates a
permitted use, "C" a conditional use, and "I" an interim use. Uses not so indicated shall be considered
prohibited. Cross-references listed in the table under "Standard" indicate the location within this section of
specific development standards that apply to the listed use.
Combinations of uses. Principal and accessory uses may be combined on a single parcel.
Table 9-1: Permitted, Conditional, and Interim Uses, Rural Districts
RT A RR RS RE Standard
Solar farm
I
C
C
_
_
LEC 105.12.1440
1470
SECTION 2. Title 105 Zoning; Chapter 105.12: Zoning Code, Section 1470 Solar Farms is hereby
amended by changing the following section (Proposed language is underlined, deleted language is shown
with stri ethfe -h):
105.12.1470 Solar Farms
1. Conditional or interim use permit. A conditional or interim use permit subject to the zoning district in
which the proposed solar farm is to be located.
2. Minimum lot size, . Solar farms are limited to properties at least ten
acres in size. Solar fafms must maiataifl a setbaek of at least 50 feet 4am adjaeefA pfepeAies and be
3. Setbacks. Solar equipment shall be at least 150 feet away from all property lines and public road ri hg_ts-
of-way measured from the exterior edges of the solar equipment.
4. Screening Requirements. The following screening requirements apply in addition to landscaping
requirements outlined in 105.12.480 to mitigate potential negative impacts of solar farms from adjacent
land uses:
a. A permeant vegetative screening buffer shall be designed to have a horizontal depth of at least
twenty(20) feet and a minimum height of six (6) feet.
b. Screening requirements of the solar farm from any adiacent public road right-of-wav shall be met
at the time of planting.
c. Screening requirements of the solar farm from adjacent residential dwellings and public
waterbodies as viewed from 6' above the Ordinary High Water Level shall be met within six(6)
owing seasons
d. If screening requirements are not met, and landscaping is not established, within six (6) growing
seasons, screening must be implemented through the planting of mature vegetation.
5. Stormwater and NPDES. Solar farms are subject to the cities and watershed district's stormwater
management and erosion and sediment control provisions and NPDES permit requirements.
6. Foundations. A qualified engineer shall certify that the foundation and design of the solar panels, racking
and support is within accepted professional standards, given local soil and climate conditions.
SECTION 3. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption and
publication in the official newspaper of the City of Lake Elmo.
SECTION 4. Adoption Date. This Ordinance 2023-20 was adopted on this day ofj�, 2023,
by a vote of 3 Ayes and Nays.
LAKE E M OU IL
a McGinn, Acting ayor.
ATTEST:
Jul' J hnson, t Clerk
This Ordinance 2023-20 was published on the 11, day of � ��°ry�,,b � , 2023.