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FastSun 4, LLC. Solar Farm IUP <br />Page 7 <br />(c) Ground mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed 15 feet in height at any point when <br />oriented at maximum tilt. <br />The applicant has indicated that the solar energy system will be approximately 12 feet tall. The <br />applicant has stated that the solar energy panels will be fixed tilt system that faces south and does <br />not move. The panels will be mounted on a steel and aluminum racking structure and installed <br />with pilings that are driven approximately 6-8 feet in the ground. The applicant has indicated that <br />the panels will visually look to be at the same height, therefore, may be driven into the ground at <br />different depths. The TEP has also recommended that the system should be as close to the City's <br />15 foot maximum height allowance as possible to allow for more natural conditions (sunlight, rain, <br />wind) for vegetative growth within the wetland areas. Because of this condition, the City would <br />expect the height of the system to be approximately 15 feet from the grade of the ground. <br />(d) Solar farms shall be enclosed by approved perimeter fencing or adequate vegetative buffer for <br />screening. Exception may be granted if the natural landscape provides screening from all public <br />right of ways and neighboring properties. <br />The applicant has indicated that they will be installing a 6-foot chain link perimeter fence for safety <br />and security. This type of fence will not provide any screening, therefore, the applicant has <br />submitted a landscape plan. <br />The intent of the landscaping portion of the solar energy system section of the code is to provide <br />a buffer between surrounding properties and a solar farm. The applicant has shown the installation <br />of 203 Black Hills Spruce and Red Cedar trees along most property lines. The applicant has stated <br />that there are existing trees that screen the solar farm to the north and the existing vegetation and <br />large setback from the east property line meet the intent of the ordinance. City staff agrees that <br />some of the areas have an adequate buffer with the existing landscape and setback. The TEP has <br />also made it a requirement that plantings selected for installation within the wetlands must be <br />native in Minnesota and will likely be very small. Staff will continue to work with the applicant <br />on the landscape plan. <br />All landscaping will be required to meet section 90-181 — Landscaping. in regards to sizes of <br />plantings and minimum installation requirements. <br />(e) The owner/ operator of the solar farm shall provide the city with evidence that the solar energy <br />system is functioning properly. This shall be provided at any time deemed necessary by the city. <br />The applicant has provided the City with an operation and maintenance plan. This plan states that <br />the system will have real-time monitoring using the facility's meteorological station, energy meter, <br />and SCADA system. Within this plan it also indicates that there will be routine maintenance of <br />the facility including road maintenance, fence and gate inspection, and lighting system checks. It <br />shall be noted within the IUP that the owner/operator of the solar farm shall provide the City with <br />evidence that the system is functioning properly at any time deemed necessary by the City. <br />(0 The owner/operator shall submit a decommissioning plan for the solar farm to ensure that the <br />owner/operator properly removes the equipment and facilities upon the end of the project life, <br />7 <br />