2024.05.06 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Enterprise Energy, LLC. Solar Farm Site Plan and IUP Page 5 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 balsam fir trees and dogwood shrubs along the perimeter of the solar array to provide vegetative screening. The plantings are shown to be arranged with a row of balsam firs closest to the panels and dogwood shrubs in the front, when viewed from outside the array looking in. The ordinance requires that vegetative screening must be at least 6 feet tall at the time of planting. Staff will be requiring that the balsam firs planted will be 6 feet tall at the time of planting as a condition of approval. The dogwood shrubs are described in the landscape plan as having a maximum height of 4 feet. There is a portion of the vegetative buffer that crosses some wetlands, where the balsam fir cannot be planted. The applicant has shown a double row of dogwood shrubs in the portion of the vegetative buffer that crosses the wetlands. While this area of screening would not meet the 6 foot height requirement, staff is generally comfortable with the use of dogwood shrubs as a screening measure in the wetland areas. In addition to planting trees and shrubs for screening, the applicant has indicated that a substantial amount of existing vegetation will remain, including the majority of the vegetative buffer on the east and west sides of the property. In areas where vegetation is to be cleared for construction purposes, the applicant will be planting replacement vegetation to make up for gap in screening. All landscaping will be required to meet the ordinance standards in regards to sizes of plantings and minimum installation requirements. (f) All ground areas within the perimeter fencing of a solar farm that are not occupied by equipment or access paths shall be planted with deep rooted, native pollinator plantings. The applicant submitted a vegetative establishment and management plan which includes a seeding schedule for the site. All of the seeds described are native to Minnesota according to the MnDNR’s native species list, except for one. Staff will continue to work with the applicant on the mixture of seeds to meet the ordinance requirement or develop a suitable alternative. (g) Solar farm applications shall include a vegetation establishment and management plan which shall be reviewed and approved by staff. The applicant submitted a vegetation establishment and management plan (VMP) which was prepared by Natural Resources Services, Inc. The plan includes an overview of site conditions, plans for removals and restoration of landscapes, timelines for establishment, monitoring, and maintenance of vegetation, and descriptions of the seed mixtures to be planted on site. Th e site is to be watered via a water truck once weekly during the establishment phase. (h) 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.