2016.01.04 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Agenda Number H2 CITY OF HUGO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Memorandum TO: Bryan Bear, City Administrator FROM: Rachel Leitz, Community Development Assistant SUBJECT: Creation of Solar Energy Systems Ordinance DATE: December 28, 2015 for the City Council meeting of January 4, 2016 1. PLANNING COMISSION MEETING UPDATE: At its December 17, 2015 meeting the Planning Commission considered the solar energy systems ordinance and held a public hearing. Staff provided background and reviewed the ordinance with the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission had comments on ownership of systems, removal of systems, location of solar farms within floodplains, and screening. Commissioners wanted staff to clarify that if a solar farm is transferred to another person/entity, the new owner will also be expected to post financial security for removal of the system. The Planning Commission also wanted staff to review the screening measures and correct a typo within the expiration and termination section. No one spoke during the public hearing and the Commission agreed that the proposed solar energy system ordinance was necessary and recommended approval to the City Council with review of their comments. 2. BACKGROUND AND ORC MEETING UPDATES: At its May 4, 2015, meeting the City Council authorized the Ordinance Review Committee (ORC) to create a solar ordinance to regulate future solar projects within the City. At the time of the request to the City Council, staff had been receiving many inquiries from solar companies and residents regarding the construction of solar farms. Although these requests have slowed, there are still many proposed projects around the area and an increase in interest surrounding the use of solar energy. Staff and the ORC have met numerous times to create a solar ordinance. The ORC have discussed different solar projects and established two separate uses. They talked over where these projects should be located within the City and certain requirements that should be required to prevent any adverse effects on the community at large. The ORC believed that the solar energy systems ordinance was ready to be presented to the Planning Commission and to the public for comments at its December 17, 2015 meeting and recommended approval of the solar energy systems ordinance.