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Mounds View Planning Commission June 5, 2013 <br />Regular Meeting Page 4 <br />________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />Associate Heller suggested that wind turbines also are required to be at least 300 feet from <br />residential properties. <br /> <br />Commissioner Carvelli-Yu suggested the noise ordinance be reviewed. <br /> <br />Associate Heller indicated she could use language from other ordinances to address noise <br />standards. <br /> <br />Commissioner Love questioned if a geothermal system was considered an accessory building. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Heller explained these systems were considered an accessory use as associated <br />with the property. She further reviewed the proposed geothermal language from other <br />ordinances. The Commission supported the geothermal language examples. <br /> <br />Associate Heller discussed the solar technology options proposed for the code amendment in <br />detail with the Commission. She noted that approximately two-thirds of the homes in the City <br />face east and west, and solar panels must face south so they would usually be on the side of the <br />house rather than the front. <br /> <br />Chair Stevenson recommended the St. Paul language be used concerning solar system line of <br />sight, visibility and design standards. <br /> <br />Commissioner Carvelli-Yu agreed and inquired if staff was aware of any installed solar units <br />within the City of Mounds View. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Heller stated she was not aware of any solar panels within the City. <br /> <br />The Commission further discussed the need for sunlight easements. The Commission agreed <br />that these issues would be worked out between property owners and was something that the City <br />did not need to address at this time. <br /> <br />Commissioner Carvelli-Yu recommended the number of rack panels be limited to three along a <br />roofline. <br /> <br />Associate Heller indicated this number may be too restrictive. <br /> <br />Chair Stevenson referred to the screening language in the Maplewood code stating this would be <br />valuable for ground mounted systems. <br /> <br />Commissioner Carvelli-Yu suggested that inoperable solar units be removed after 12 months. <br />She also asked that roofs be properly maintained even if solar panels are installed. <br /> <br />Associate Heller stated this would be difficult to enforce as the City does not require other <br />homeowners to properly maintain their roofs. <br />