2025.10.06 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Cedar Creek Energy Solar Farm Site Plan and IUP Page 3 3 B. Natural Characteristics of Site The property is 38.25 acres, and the applicant has indicated that the solar array will be constructed on approximately 5 acres in the northwest corner of the property. The property has some gently rolling terrain, with a steep drop-off to a wetland in the northern portion. The property contains approximately 31.1 acres of wetland. 6. ANALYSIS OF A SOLAR FARM INTERIM USE PERMIT: The zoning code outlines a number of general standards for the operation of all solar energy systems, whether it’s a solar farm or accessory solar energy system. These include the requirement for a building permit, evidence of an agreement with the local utility, responsibility of the applicant to secure any solar energy easements, all solar energy components labeled in accordance with City code, all exterior electrical or service lines be buried, and all solar energy systems be in compliance with adopted city and state building codes. In addition to the general standards for all solar energy systems, there are performance standards for solar farms, which are described below: (a) Solar farms shall be located on a minimum lot size of 20 acres within the Long Term Agricultural (LA), Agricultural (AG), Rural Residential (RR), and Future Urban Service (FUS) zoning districts. The applicant is proposing to construct the 5-acre solar farm in the northwest corner of a 38.25- acre property that is zoned Agricultural (AG). (b) Solar farms shall be 100 feet from all property lines, 200 feet from any public road rights-of- way, and 400 feet from any principal structure on adjacent properties. The applicant’s site plan meets all of the required setbacks. (c) Solar farms shall be located, insofar as possible, on a central portion of the property in order to minimize visual impact on adjacent properties and dwellings. The solar farm is proposed to be located in the northwest corner of the property. The centermost portion of the property is constrained by wetlands on the north and south sides. While the solar array may be placed within wetlands in some cases, there are other ground areas of the solar farm such as the driveway, equipment pad, and fence that need a suitable area of upland for their construction. Placement of the solar array in the northwest corner allows for the least amount of wetland to be disturbed. Additionally, the applicant has revised plans to locate the solar array further away from the view of a nearby residence. While not the centermost location of the property, it is in staff’s opinion that the proposed location minimizes visual impact on adjacent properties and dwellings, and meets the intent of this ordinance requirement.