PC Packet 07.26.18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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FastSun 4, LLC. Solar Farm IUP Page 2 subscribe to a share of the electrical output from the project, as well. Because Xcel is the only utility currently offering incentives for solar energy systems, the project will only be within Xcel's territory. The line between Xcel and Conexus territory intersects this property, which is why the applicant is renting only the western 19.8 acres of the 30 acre property. 3. LEVEL OF CITY DISCRETION IN DECISION-MAKING: The City's discretion in approving or denying an Interim Use Permit use permit is limited to whether or not the permit meets the standards outlined in the Comprehensive Land Use Regulations. If it meets these standards, the City must approve the interim use permit. 4. CONTEXT: A. Surrounding Land Use and Zoning The property is currently zoned Future Urban Service (FUS) and guided for Low Density Residential (LD) in the 2030 Land Use Plan. Currently, the surrounding properties are generally large acreages occupied by single family homes with agricultural uses occurring on the remaining land. This property is within the Municipal Sewer Service Area (MUSA), however is right on the border with the properties to the south guided as Agricultural (outside of the service area) and properties to the north guided as Low Density Residential (inside of the service area). B. Natural Characteristics of Site The property is approximately 30 acres, however the applicant has indicated they will be leasing the western 19.8 acres of the property and are proposing to install a solar farm on 5 acres in the northwest corner of the property. The property is relatively flat and has been historically used for row crops. Wetlands make up a large majority of this property and occupy 13.3 acres of the 19.8 acre leased area. There are 16.3 acres of wetlands on the entire 30 acre property. The applicant has completed and received approval of a wetland delineation of the entire 30 acre site from the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP). They are currently in the process of receiving approval on their wetland replacement application. It shall be a condition of approval that the applicant receives all approvals necessary from the TEP as well as abides by any conditions the TEP recommends in their Notice of Decision (NOD). 5. ANALYSIS OF A SOLAR FARM INTERIM USE PERMIT: The zoning code outlines a number of general standards for the operation of all solar energy systems, whether it's a solar farm or accessory solar energy system. These include the requirement for a building permit, evidence of an agreement with the local utility, responsibility of the applicant to secure any solar energy easements, all solar energy components labeled in accordance with City code, all exterior electrical or service lines be buried, and all solar energy systems be in compliance with adopted city and state building codes. In addition to the general standards for all solar energy systems, there are performance standards for solar farms, which are described below: 2