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LWI NJ 1110 1 t of Mounds View Staff Item No: 6A Meeting Date: June 5, 2013 Type of Business: Other Planning Activity To: Planning Commission From: Heidi Heller, Planning Associate Item Title/Subject: Renewable Energy Code Amendment The Planning Commission has started discussion on reviewing the Zoning Code in regards to renewable energy system installations, such as solar energy, wind generators or geothermal systems. The City should update the City Code to help promote renewable energy systems and not hinder or make it difficult for a property owner to install a system. There is now a lot of information available about these systems, and the City can make betterdecisions about howand where renewable energy system installations are done. At the May 15, 2013 Planning Commission meeting, Brian Ross with CR Planning, gave a presentation about renewable energy and how cities are important partners in helping more systems get installed. Mr. Ross is providing assistance to local governments who are amending their City Codes for renewable energy systems to adapt the best practices to local conditions and priorities in permitting and zoning. Minnesota has good solar potential, even with its cold and dark reputation. There are good examples of adopted ordinances from other cities for Mounds View to review - Maplewood, Mahtomedi and St. Paul, along with the Model Sustainable Development Ordinance that was provided by Mr. Ross. The other part of how local governments can be abetter partner to encourage renewable energy systems is the permit process and fees. City Staff will develop new policies, applications and fees specifically for these systems. The three types of renewable energy systems that Mounds View should consider adopting new regulations for are solar energy, wind generators and geo-thermal systems. Solar energy and wind systems will need the most discussion since their components are all outside of the structure and above ground. Geo -thermal systems are mostly underground except for a heat pump and don't require much language for the City Code. The main issues to address for geo-thermal systems would be setback requirements from property lines, not encroaching on easements, specific requirements that the equipment must meet. Solar [echnoloc y tions in Minnesota Photoi E.it, (FV', :>olar electric.NV. fiio&[C produce electiicD1 torn < unliccht using semi -conductor tecl?iiology (solar panels) o ["(; (of moui it�,d systems — attached to the- building's roof 1: Flush mounted icor flush mounted o Ground rnourited systems— Frce standinc,,, systerns on a pole orF. ra.a. Stationary (pole or rack) Tracking (pole rnourrted, rotates to follow the sun) o Building integrated systems. Solar system is built into a building component, such as a shingle or roof tile, an awning, or a gazebo.