HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016.01.04 CC PowerPoint - Solar energy systems ordinance
Met Council Water Efficiency
Grant
City Council
Monday, January 4, 2016
Water Rebate Program has been talked about since 2014 with the
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Council.
My first presentation regarding water conservation to Council on April
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7, 2015.
Water Rebates
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How many homes in Hugo would be effected the greatest (i.e. save the
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most water) by purchasing water efficient toilets, washing machines,
showerheads/faucets, and irrigation systems.
Established that irrigation systems are the biggest water users
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Established the most “bang for your buck” is replacing old toilets
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Needed to be future conversations on how to fund a rebate
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program.
Which equipment replacements would be set as a priority
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Budget amount
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Met Council Grant received in the amount of $36,000
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Requirements:
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The City has to provide 25% of the total rebate amount.
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We can use the Washington County monies as the City’s match, in the
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amount of $9,000.
WaterSensetoilets, EnergyStar washing machines, WaterSense
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irrigation audits, WaterSenseirrigation controllers, and
replacement sprinkler heads are eligible.
Cannot use monies on new construction.
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All rebate recipients are required to be on City water.
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Recording/record keeping required to be submitted quarterly.
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Staff has been working on the Hugo Water Rebate Program.
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Applications/brochures
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Marketing
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City Website
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The Citizen
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Facebook
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TV
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Newsletter
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Inserts
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How to facilitate the program
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Implementation goal of January 24, 2016
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First water bill of the year is sent out this date.
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We will be including a small insert letting residents know of this
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program.
Solar Energy Systems
Ordinance
City Council
Monday, January 4, 2016
Background
Staff had been receiving many inquiries from solar companies and
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residents regarding the construction of solar farms.
At its May 4, 2015 meeting, the City Council authorized the Ordinance
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Review Committee (ORC) to create a solar ordinance to regulate
future solar projects within the City.
Requests on information about solar has slowed, but there are still
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many proposed projects around the area and in increase in interest
surrounding the use of solar.
Background Continued
The ORC has been working on writing the solar energy systems
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ordinance since City Council approved it on May 4, 2015.
At its December 7, 2015 meeting, the ORC recommended approval of
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the ordinance.
At its December 17, 2015 meeting, the Planning Commission
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reviewed and commented on the solar energy systems ordinance.
Generally comfortable with the ordinance, as written.
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Comments on locating the solar farm in floodplains.
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Asked for clarification on screening measures and financial security if the
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property is transferred to someone else.
Solar Energy Systems
Solar energy systems can basically be installed for two different
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uses:
1.Solar farms
A solar energy system that is composed of multiple solar panels where the
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primary or a significant land use whether by footprint or visual impact or
both of the parcel is for a solar array. A solar farm produces energy for
wholesale to subscribers.
2.Accessory solar energy systems
An accessory solar energy system is composed of a single or multiple solar
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panels where the system is deemed accessory to the primary land use. An
accessory solar energy system is intended to primarily reduce on-site
consumption of utility power for an active existing use/structure. Excess
electrical power generated and not presently needed for on-site use may
be provided to the utility company.
Solar Farm
Accessory Solar Energy System
Solar farms.
An interim use permit application must be submitted for approval by
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the Planning Commission and City Council before a permit is issued
for a solar farm.
Public Hearing
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Solar farms shall be located on a minimum lot size of 10 acres within
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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.
Performance Standards
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Accessory solar energy systems.
A building permit application must be submitted and approved by the
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Building Official before an accessory solar energy system is installed.
All commercial or industrial solar energy systems will require
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submittal for approval by the Community Development Director or
designee before a permit is issued for any accessory solar energy
system.
Accessory solar energy systems shall follow the same requirements
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for accessory structures.
Size/Coverage (total square footage)
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Location
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Conclusion / Recommendations
The ORC agreed that the ordinance was a good way to allow and regulate
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solar energy systems.
The ORC recommended approval of the solar energy systems ordinance to
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the Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission agreed that the solar energy systems ordinance
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was needed as interest for these projects has increased in the past year.
The Planning Commission had a few thoughts on how to clarify parts of the
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ordinance and recommended approval of the solar energy systems
ordinance, with review of their comments, to the City Council.
Staff believes that the solar energy systems ordinance is appropriate for
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regulating future solar projects within the City.
Staff recommends approval of the solar energy systems ordinance.
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