2023.07.10 ORD 5023-526 Solar Farm Moratorium

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Ordinance 2023-526 Page 2 of 3 WHEREAS,the ordinance review committee has been studying the ordinance and needs additional time to hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance revisions. SECTION 2. FINDINGS. 1. The City Council finds there is a need to study the Solar Farm section of the ordinance to determine whether to revise or add any regulations or restrictions, including siting and location of use,performance standards, and screening of Solar Farms.This ordinance does not have an effect of imposing limitations or restrictions to the application of Accessory Solar Energy Systems. 2. The study will address issues including, but not limited to the following: 1) The particular districts and locations such use shall be allowed; 2) The concentration and density of such uses in the City; 3) Performance standards for such uses in the City; and; 3)The effects of such uses on other uses and the surrounding area. 3. The study will allow the City Council to determine the appropriate changes,if any, that it should make to City ordinances. 4. The City Council, therefore, finds that there is a need to adopt a City-wide moratorium of the applications for and the issuance of permits for Solar Farms. SECTION 3. MORATORIUM. 1. No individual, establishment, organization, or business may apply for applications for approval or the issuance of permits for Solar Farms for six (6) months from August 6, 2023. 2. No application or permit of any kind, by any individual, establishment, organization, or businesses involved in Solar Farms within the City of Hugo shall be accepted, considered, or issued for six(6)months from August 6, 2023. 3. Planning or zoning applications related to Solar Farms or applications from individuals, establishments, organizations, or businesses involved in Solar Farms within the City of Hugo shall not be accepted, considered, or issued for six (6) months from August 6, 2023. SECTION 4. STUDY. The City Council directs City staff to study the Solar Farm section of the ordinance to determine whether to revise or add any regulations or restrictions, including siting and location of use, performance standards, and screening of Solar Farms. Upon completion of the study,the City Council, together with such commission as the City Council deems appropriate, or as may be required by law, will consider the advisability of adopting new ordinances or amending its current ordinances. SECTION 5. ENFORCEMENT. The City may enforce this Ordinance by mandamus,