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applicant proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner. She stated the applicant has 1 not met the criteria that the plight of the property owner is due to circumstances unique to the 2 property because the reason for the request is to expand the garage and is not due to any 3 factors outside their control. She stated the variance if granted will not alter the essential 4 character of the locality and is in keeping with the character of the neighborhood; economic 5 considerations alone are not the basis for the variance; the variance if granted would be 6 consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; and granting of the variance is in harmony with the 7 general purpose and intent of the Code. 8 9 Chairperson Crone opened the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. 10 11 Ms. Erin Burns, 2832 Coolidge St. NE, stated there are three other two-car garages near her 12 property with a 1’ setback and they are not significantly increasing their footprint. 13 14 Commissioner Poucher expressed concern about the proximity of the garage to the neighbors 15 and the possibility of fire spreading quickly. 16 17 City Planner Rothstein stated the City’s building official would examine the site to determine 18 if a fire wall is needed due to the proximity to other garages. 19 20 Chairperson Crone closed the public hearing at 7:58 p.m. 21 22 Motion by Commissioner Gondorchin, seconded by Commissioner Papatola, to recommend 23 that the City Council approve the request for a variance from the required side and rear yard 24 setback to construct a detached garage on the property located at 2832 Coolidge St. NE. 25 26 Motion carried 5-0. 27 28 D. Consider code text amendment to Section 152.187 of City Code to allow for solar 29 energy systems on residential structures, and provide standards for such 30 installations. 31 32 City Planner Rothstein presented the proposed Code text amendment to allow for greater 33 applications of solar energy systems and noted this is the first major revision of the Code to 34 expand the applicability and use of solar energy systems. She advised the purpose of the 35 amendment is to incorporate more detailed standards governing the installation of solar 36 energy s ystems, to provide clarity for City staff, solar installers, and property owners, to set 37 standards for building mounted and freestanding systems, and to clarify that solar access 38 easements may be purchased from nearby property owners. She stated the proposed 39 Ordinance requires flush mounted systems in the front yards of homes and on all accessory 40 structures and freestanding solar systems are allowed in all zoning districts but only in the rear 41 yard. She stated solar energy systems would be a permitted use in residential districts and a 42 conditional use in commercial districts and the systems cannot be more than 10’ high. She 43 stated that light poles can have solar and all light pole-mounted solar installations are allowed 44 through the issuance of a CUP and limited to three square feet. 45 46 4