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Ordinance 2016-475 <br />Solar Energy <br /> <br />if. The owner/operator shall submit a decommissioning plan for the solar farm to ensure <br />that the owner/operator properly removes the equipment and facilities upon the end of <br />the project life, abandonment, expiration, or termination of the interim use permit. If <br />the solar energy system remains nonfunctional or inoperative for a continuous period <br />of 12 months, the system shall be deemed abandoned and shall constitute a public <br />nuisance. The owner shall remove the abandoned system at their expense after a <br />demolition permit has been obtained within 90 days after notice has been given. <br />Removal includes the entire structure including transmission equipment, structures <br />and foundations, and the restoration of soil and vegetation. The owner/operator shall <br />provide a current-day decommissioning cost estimate, and shall post financial <br />security in a form acceptable by the City. This estimate must include an inflationary <br />escalator, in an amount determined by the City, which will allow the City to remove <br />the solar farm from the property after the 90-day period has elapsed. <br />(3) Criteria of approval of a solar farm. An application for a solar farm interim use permit may <br />be granted only upon finding that all of the following criteria have been met: <br />a. The applicant owns the property or has secured a proper lease agreement on the <br />property, unless the City Council determines that unique conditions or ci rcumstances <br />warrant special arrangement. <br />b. The proposed solar farm is allowed as a principle use in the respective zoning district <br />and conforms to this chapter. <br />c. The proposed solar farm is keeping with the spirit and intent of this chapter. <br />d. The construction of a solar farm shall not impede the City’s ability to implement its <br />comprehensive plan. <br />e. The proposed solar farm is compatible with the present character of the surrounding <br />area. <br />f. The proposed solar farm shall have a set date in which the permit shall be reviewed <br />or terminated. <br />g. The proposed solar farm shall be subject to any conditions that the City Council <br />deems appropriate for the permission of the use. <br />(4) Conditions of approval. In permitting a new solar farm interim use permit or amending an <br />existing solar farm interim use permit, the Planning Commission may recommend and the <br />City Council may impose additional conditions and requirements to protect the health, safety, <br />and welfare of the surrounding area and the community at large, mitigate unfavorable <br />consequences of activities resulting from the solar farm, enforce laws and regulations, and <br />ensure compliance with the conditions of the permit. These conditions may include, but are <br />not limited to, the following: <br />a. Limitations on period of use and operation. <br />b. Buffering and screening measures.