2024.07.15 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 The ORC’s revisions were presented at a Public Hearing at the Planning Commission meeting of July 13, 2023 meeting, and approved by the City Council on July 24, 2023, repealing the moratorium. With the new ordinance in effect, the City received an application for a solar farm on a vacant 12-acre property on Everton Avenue. During the public hearing at the April 11, 2024 Planning Commission meeting, several neighbors spoke in opposition to the project, primarily with concerns that the proposed solar farm would not be compatible with the present character of the surrounding area. However, the Planning Commission determined that the proposal met the necessary requirements to approve a solar farm IUP, and unanimously voted to recommend approval to the City Council. At its May 6, 2024 meeting, the City Council heard the request for the IUP, and the residents who spoke at the Planning Commission meeting stated that the proposal was not compatible with the character of the area. Subsequently, the City Council found that the proposed solar farm did n ot meet the character of the area requirement, and approved a resolution with findings of fact for denial of the solar farm IUP. At its May 20, 2024 meeting, the City Council enacted another moratorium on solar farm applications, directing staff to study the ordinance again. The City Council had a discussion at its June 17, 2024 meeting to determine the direction needed for the ordinance. Staff recommended that the City Council hold another joint workshop with the Planning Commission. Several councilmembers stated that they would like to gather public feedback on the prohibition of solar farms prior to restarting the ordinance review process, stating that the community was still reacting negatively after significant revisions had been made. The Council stated that they wanted members of the public to ask themselves, even if they are comfortable with allowing solar farms within the city, whether they would want to live next to one. The City Council directed staff to draft a text amendment that would prohibit solar farms within the city. With the Council’s direction, staff has drafted text amendments to Sec. 90-1 Definitions and Sec. 90-278(d) Solar Energy Systems that would prohibit solar farms within the city. 2. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommended the Planning Commission hold a public hearing at its July 11, 2024 meeting and take all comments. Staff recommended that the Planning Commission have a discussion based on the public comments received, and make a recommendation to the City Council. 3. PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Staff will provide a written update to the City Council regarding the Planning Commission’s recommendation made at their July 11, 2024 meeting before the City Council meeting on July 15, 2024.