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Cedar Creek Energy Solar Farm Site Plan and IUP <br />Page 6 <br /> <br /> <br /> 6 <br />(b) The proposed solar farm is allowed as a principle use in the respective zoning district and <br />conforms to this chapter. <br /> <br />The proposed solar farm is an allowed permitted use with an IUP within the Agricultural (AG) <br />zoning district. <br /> <br />(c) The proposed solar farm is keeping with the spirit and intent of this chapter. <br /> <br />The spirit and intent of the ordinance is to allow for the generation of renewable energy within the <br />City of Hugo. Promoting the safe, effective, and efficient use of solar energy, may reduce the <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, while the minimum lot size for a solar farm is 20 acres. <br />If the property were to be subdivided in the future, at least 20 acres will need to remain for the <br />solar farm. It is in staff’s opinion that the proposed solar farm will not impede the City’s ability to <br />implement the 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 of <br />the applicant’s agreement with Xcel Energy in purchasing the power generated by the solar farm. <br />City staff is comfortable with approving the IUP for a 25 year period from the date of the issuance