2018.09.17 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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FastSun 4, LLC. Solar Farm IUP Page 7 69 The owner/operator shall submit a decommissioning plan for the solar farm to ensure that the owner/operator properly removes the equipment and facilities upon the end of the project life, abandonment, expiration, or termination of the interim use permit. This decommissioning plan must meet requirements outlined in the City code. The applicant has provided the City with a decommissioning plan for the solar farm. The City's ordinance states that the owner/operator of the solar farm shall provide a current -day decommissioning cost estimate and shall post financial security in a form acceptable by the city. The City is requiring the owner operator to submit this required information as well as a cash escrow prior to the issuance of a building permit. The applicant's decommissioning plan meets City requirements outlined in the code, including the removal of all equipment and structures within 90 days after the system has been inoperative for 12 months as well as the restoration of the site. The decommissioning plan requirements will be noted in the applicant's IUP. 7. CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL OF A SOLAR FARM INTERIM USE PERMIT: An application for a home occupation interim use permit may only be granted upon a finding that all the following criteria have been met: (a) The applicant owns the property or has secured a proper lease agreement on the property, unless the city council determines that unique conditions or circumstances warrant special arrangement. The applicant has a lease agreement with the property owner of the property in question. (b) The proposed solar farm is allowed as a principle use in the respective zoning district and conforms to this chapter. The proposed solar farm is an allowed permitted use within the Future Urban Service (FUS) zoning district. (c) The proposed solar farm is keeping with the spirit and intent of this chapter. The spirit and intent of the ordinance is to allow for the generation of renewable energy within the City of Hugo. Promoting the safe, effective, and efficient use of solar energy, may reduce the onsite consumption of fossil fuels and utility -supplied electric energy while avoiding adverse impacts on the community at large. The applicant's proposed solar farm meets the purpose, permitted uses, and performance standards outlined in the City code. It's in staff s opinion that the request for an IUP for a solar farm meets the spirit and intent of the ordinance. (d) The construction of a solar farm shall not impede the city's ability to implement its comprehensive plan. 7