2018.10.01 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Agenda Number I.1 CITY OF HUGO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLANNING AND ZONING APPLICATION STAFF REPORT TO: Bryan Bear, City Administrator FROM: Rachel Juba, Community Development Director SUBJECT: FastSun 4, LLC. Interim Use Permit (IUP) for a Solar Farm located north of 165th Street North and west of Henna Avenue North. DATE: September 27, 2018 for the City Council Meeting of October 1, 2018 ZONING: Future Urban Service (FUS) LAND USE: Low Density Residential (LD) REVIEW DEADLINE: The applicant has waived their right to the review period outlined in State Statute number 15.99 1. UPDATE ON CITY COUNCIL MEETING: At its September 17, 2018, meeting the City Council considered the applicants request. Staff provided a presentation to the Council with background on the request and an update from the Planning Commission meetings. There were a few residents that spoke at the meeting regarding the solar farm. Generally the same concerns were raised from the Planning Commission meetings. There were some specific requests from the residents that included taller trees, increased setbacks, additional review of the permit, longer access road for fire protection, any short fall of the monies used for decommissioning should be assessed to the property as a tax, and they also asked for additional studies to be completed. The City Council discussed the application and the requests from the residents. They asked the applicant to answer a few questions The applicant stated it would be a fixed solar panel racking system at approximately 12 feet in height. He stated that there will be a total of about 4,000 panels and the property would be mowed a few times a year. He stated that he would be good with the road along the entire west property line, if needed. He stated that the panels would absorb heat and he does not see an issue with the "heat island effect" that was mentioned by a resident. He stated that they would be comfortable more frequent reviews of the permit. He stated that they have previously completed studies regarding property values and did not see a change up or down. Staff mentioned that the cash escrow required for the decommissioning has been reviewed and staff is comfortable with the amount that is required to be provided.