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Mounds View Planning Commission June 5, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 3 ________________________________________________________________________ 6. Other Planning Activity A. Renewable Energy Code Amendment Discussion Planning Associate Heller explained the Commission started a discussion on the Zoning Code in regards to renewable energy system installations, such as solar energy, wind generators and geothermal systems. She commented the City should update the City Code to help promote renewable energy systems and not make it difficult for a property owner to install a system. There is now a lot more information available about these systems, and the City can make better decisions about how and where renewable energy system installations are done. Associate Heller stated 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. She reviewed several example ordinances with the Commission stating this language will assist staff in developing new policies, applications and fees for these systems. She questions what the Commission were willing to allow and how they wanted to proceed with the code amendment. Chair Stevenson recommended staff proceed with the geothermal information that was in the other ordinances since there isn’t much language needed, and that further guidance be provided for the wind and solar systems. Commissioner Carvelli-Yu commented she did not know enough about wind systems, but did not feel a traditional wind turbine would fit into a Mounds View residential neighborhood. Associate Heller stated that at the last meeting, Brian Ross had stated that wind generators typically don’t work well in urban areas. He commented that unless wind turbines are at least 200 feet from any other structure, they usually aren’t productive, and can cost more to operate than the amount of electricity they generate. She indicated there would be very few properties within the City where wind turbines could be far enough away from other structures to work, and they can generate a great deal of noise as well. She recommended a minimum lot size standard be set for wind turbines. She stated MedTronic and Sysco were possible candidates as they are large properties. Chair Stevenson stated the wind turbines could be slated only for certain zoning districts. Commissioner Rundle questioned if there would be enough open space available to generate enough power for these businesses. Discussion ensued regarding the wind turbines located in North St. Paul and Maple Grove. Commissioner Carvelli-Yu supported wind turbines if the system did not interfere with neighboring properties and space allowed, 10+ acres.