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Enterprise Energy, LLC. Solar Farm Site Plan and IUP <br />Page 7 <br /> <br />onsite consumption of fossil fuels and utility-supplied electric energy while avoiding adverse <br />impacts on the community at large. The applicant’s proposed solar farm meets the purpose, <br />permitted uses, and performance standards outlined in the City code. <br /> <br />It’s in staff’s opinion that the request for an IUP for a solar farm meets the spirit and intent of the <br />ordinance. <br /> <br />(d) The construction of a solar farm shall not impede the city's ability to implement its <br />comprehensive plan. <br /> <br />Due to the property being located outside of the Municipal Urban Service Area (MUSA), city <br />sewer and water are not planned for this property in the Comprehensive Plan. The minimum lot <br />size in the AG zoning district is 10 acres, and the property cannot be subdivided. It is in staff’s <br />opinion that the proposed solar farm will not impede the City’s ability to implement the <br />Comprehensive Plan. <br /> <br />(e) The proposed solar farm is compatible with the present character of the surrounding area. <br /> <br />The intent of the Agricultural (AG) zoning district is to provide an area for uses dependent on the <br />inherent productivity of the land. Many of the surrounding properties are used for single-family <br />homes or agricultural activity, which generally translate into having a low impact on adjacent <br />properties with limited noise, traffic, etc. The applicant has indicated that there will be routine <br />maintenance on the property, which will generally consist of a truck using the access drive at <br />various times and will not be intrusive. The applicant has taken measures to ensure that the solar <br />farm will be adequately screened from the view of surrounding properties. <br /> <br />It’s in staff’s opinion that the request for an IUP for a solar farm will not adversely affect the <br />surrounding area and is compatible with the character of the surrounding area. <br /> <br />(f) The proposed solar farm shall have a set date in which the permit shall be reviewed or <br />terminated. <br /> <br />The applicant has requested the permit to be approved for a period of 25 years, which is the life <br />of the applicant’s agreement with Xcel Energy in purchasing the power generated by the solar <br />farm. City staff is comfortable with approving the IUP for a 25 year period from the date of the <br />issuance of the final building permit inspection with the allowance, required by City code, that <br />the owner/operator of the solar farm provide the City with evidence that the solar energy system <br />is functioning properly at any time deemed necessary by the City. The solar farm shall be <br />reviewed every five (5) years. <br /> <br />(g) The proposed solar farm shall be subject to any conditions that the city council deems <br />appropriate for the permission of the use. <br /> <br />City staff have reviewed the application for a solar farm interim use permit and have outlined <br />conditions of the permit within the IUP document. City staff can update the permit with any <br />conditions deemed necessary for this use prior to final approval.