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FastSun 4, LLC. Solar Farm IUP <br />Page 5 <br />The proposed solar farm is an allowed permitted use within the Future Urban Service (FUS) zoning <br />district. <br />(c) The proposed solar farm is keeping with the spirit and intent of this chapter. <br />The spirit and intent of the ordinance is to allow for the generation of renewable energy within the <br />City of Hugo. Promoting the safe, effective, and efficient use of solar energy, may reduce the <br />onsite consumption of fossil fuels and utility -supplied electric energy while avoiding adverse <br />impacts on the community at large. The applicant's proposed solar farm meets the purpose, <br />permitted uses, and performance standards outlined in the City code. <br />It's in staff's opinion that the request for an ATP for a solar farm meets the spirit and intent of the <br />ordinance. <br />(d) The construction of a solar farm shall not impede the city's ability to implement its <br />comprehensive plan. <br />The intent of the FUS zoning district is to promote the preservation of large parcels that are eligible <br />for city services/utilities. In this particular area, it is unlikely that city services will be extended in <br />the near future. At the time of development, it is likely that this property will be developed along <br />with the surrounding area and the City's Comprehensive Plan will be evaluated with the request <br />at that time. <br />(e) The proposed solar farm is compatible with the present character of the surrounding area. <br />As stated previously, the intent of the FUS zoning district is to promote the preservation of large <br />parcels that are eligible for city services. Because of this, this area is generally treated as a <br />rural/agricultural area of the City. Many of the uses in this zoning district are single family homes <br />with the remaining land used for agricultural activities. These uses generally translate into having <br />a low impact on adjacent properties with limited noise, traffic, etc. The applicant has indicated <br />that there will be routine maintenance on the property, which will generally consist of a truck using <br />the access drive at various times and will not be intrusive. The applicant has also indicated that <br />the solar farm will not generate any carbon or other harmful emissions and will not create any <br />noise, dust, fumes, or glare. <br />It's in staff's opinion that the request for an ATP for a solar farm will not adversely affect the <br />surrounding area and is compatible with the present character of the surrounding area. <br />()9 The proposed solar farm shall have a set date in which the permit shall be reviewed or <br />terminated. <br />The applicant has requested the permit to be approved for a period of 25 years, which is the life of <br />the applicant's agreement with Xcel Energy in purchasing the power generated by the solar farm. <br />City staff is comfortable with approving the IUP for a 25 year period from the date of the issuance <br />of the final building permit with the allowance, required by City code, that the owner/operator of <br />the solar farm provide the City with evidence that the solar energy system is functioning properly <br />5 <br />