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FastSun 4, LLC. Solar Farm IUP Page 5 that faces south and does not move. The panels will be mounted on a steel and aluminum racking structure and installed with pilings that are driven approximately 6-8 feet in the ground. The applicant has indicated that the panels will visually look to be at the same height, therefore, may be driven into the ground at different depths. The TEP has also recommended that the system should be as close to the City's 15 foot maximum height allowance as possible to allow for more natural conditions (sunlight, rain, wind) for vegetative growth within the wetland areas. Because of this condition, the City would expect the height of the system to be approximately 15 feet from the grade of the ground. (d) Solar farms shall be enclosed by approved perimeter fencing or adequate vegetative buffer for screening. Exception may be granted if the natural landscape provides screening from all public right of ways and neighboring properties. The applicant has indicated that they will be installing a 6 -foot galvanized chain link perimeter fence for safety and security. This type of fence will not provide any screening, therefore, the applicant has submitted a landscape plan. The intent of the landscaping portion of the solar energy system section of the code is to provide a buffer between surrounding properties and a solar farm. The applicant has shown the installation of 134 Black Hills Spruce and Red Cedar trees along most property lines. The applicant has stated that there are existing trees that screen the solar farm to the north and the existing vegetation and large setback from the east property line meet the intent of the ordinance. City staff agrees that some of the areas have an adequate buffer with the existing landscape and setback. The TEP has also made it a requirement that plantings selected for installation within the wetlands must be native in Minnesota. Staff will continue to work with the applicant on the landscape plan. All landscaping will be required to meet section 90-181 — Landscaping. in regards to sizes of plantings and minimum installation requirements. (e) The owner/ operator of the solar farm shall provide the city with evidence that the solar energy system is functioning properly. This shall be provided at any time deemed necessary by the city. The applicant has provided the City with an operation and maintenance plan. This plan states that the system will have real-time monitoring using the facility's meteorological station, energy meter, and SCADA system. Within this plan it also indicates that there will be routine maintenance of the facility including road maintenance, fence and gate inspection, and lighting system checks. It shall be noted within the IUP that the owner/operator of the solar farm shall provide the City with evidence that the system is functioning properly at any time deemed necessary by the City. ()9 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 0