2016.01.04 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

farm. The information required and the procedure to be followed for all solar farm interim use permit applications shall be the same as that required for a conditional use permit set forth in subsections 90-37(a) and (b). In addition, the applicant shall submit supplementary information pertaining to the nature of the solar farm including: a. Total square footage of solar energy system. b. Total energy production for site. c. To scale horizontal and vertical (elevation) drawings. d. Drawings must show the location of the system on the property including the property lines and proposed fencing or vegetative buffer. e. Decommissioning plan. (2) Performance standards for solar farms. Solar farms shall be erected and maintained to meet the following standards. a. Solar farms shall be located on a minimum lot size of 10 acres within the Long Term Agricultural (LA), Agricultural (AG), Rural Residential (RR), and Future Urban Service (FUS) zoning districts. Solar farms may also be located in any other zoning district only in the floodplain, as long as all other conditions are met. b. Solar farms shall be 50 feet from all property lines and public road rights-of-way. c. Ground mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed 15 feet in height at any point when oriented at maximum tilt. d. Solar farms shall be enclosed by approved perimeter fencing or adequate vegetative buffer for screening. Exception may be granted if the natural landscape provides screening from all public right of ways and neighboring properties. e. The owner/ operator of the solar farm shall provide the City with evidence that the solar energy system is functioning properly. This shall be provided at any time deemed necessary by the City. f. The owner/operator shall submit a decommissioning plan for the solar farm to ensure that the owner/operator properly removes the equipment and facilities upon the end of the project life, abandonment, expiration, or termination of the interim use permit. If the solar energy system remains nonfunctional or inoperative for a continuous period of 12 months, the system shall be deemed abandoned and shall constitute a public nuisance. The owner shall remove the abandoned system at their expense after a demolition permit has been obtained within 90 days after notice has been given. Removal includes the entire structure including transmission equipment, structures and foundations, and the restoration of soil and vegetation. The owner/operator shall provide a current -day decommissioning cost estimate, and shall post financial security in a form acceptable by the City. This estimate must include an inflationary escalator, in an amount determined by the City, that will allow the City to remove the solar farm from the property after the 90 -day period has elapsed.