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CITY OF HUGO <br /> COUNTY OF WASHINGTON <br /> ORDINANCE NO.2024-536 <br /> AN INTERIM ORDINANCE EXTENDING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON <br /> NEW DEVELOPMENT OF SOLAR FARM SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS AND <br /> DIRECTING A STUDY TO BE CONDUCTED <br /> NOW, THEREFORE,the City Council of the City of Hugo does ordain: <br /> SECTION 1. <br /> BACKGROUND. <br /> WHEREAS,the City Council adopted an Ordinance 2016-475 SOLAR ENERGY <br /> SYSTEMS on January 4, 2016; <br /> WHEREAS,in view of experience following the adoption of the above-referenced <br /> ordinances, including an observation that Solar Farm Solar Energy Systems may not be <br /> appropriate in certain land use categories in the City because of issues relating to <br /> compatibility and appearance, the City has determined that an additional study shall be <br /> conducted to review the City's zoning ordinance and official controls relating thereto to <br /> ensure the zoning ordinance and official controls regarding Solar Farms adequately <br /> addresses the public health, safety and general welfare of the community; <br /> WHEREAS, Solar Farms are defined as a solar energy system that is composed of multiple <br /> solar panels where the primary land use, whether by footprint or visual impact or both, of <br /> the parcel is for a solar array. A solar farm produces energy for wholesale to subscribers. <br /> WHEREAS,the City has determined that the section of the ordinance regarding Accessory <br /> Solar Energy Systems adequately addresses the public health, safety, and general welfare of <br /> the community, and are exempt from the moratorium. Such systems are for accessory use and <br /> predominantly serve on-site users. <br /> WHEREAS,to provide adequate time for study, analysis, and the finalization of City Code <br /> amendments regarding Solar Farms or to preserve the status quo within the City, the City <br /> desires to enact an interim ordinance on the applications for and the issuance of permits for <br /> Solar Farms. <br /> WHEREAS, pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 462.355, subd. 4, the City is authorized to enact by <br /> ordinance a moratorium to regulate, restrict or prohibit any use within the jurisdiction to <br /> protect the public health, safety, and welfare. Specifically, the City is authorized to enact a <br /> moratorium ordinance to allow it to undertake a study to determine whether to revise or add <br /> any regulations or restrictions, including siting and location of use,performance standards, <br /> and screening of Solar Farms. <br /> WHEREAS, on May 20, 2024, the City Council adopted an interim Ordinance#2024-530 to <br />