Discuss Potential Creation of Alternative Energy Section in City Code

The City was recently contacted by a party potentially interested in installing a solar array (group of solar panels that would be ground mounted) on their property.  Presently, City Code is fairly silent on solar energy.  With the continued interest and technological improvements associated with various forms of alternative energy (e.g. solar, wind, and geo-thermal), Staff believes that minimum standards should be developed to permit these types of projects that would also serve to minimize or prevent potential negative impacts resulting from such a project. 

No notification is required at this time as this is for discussion purposes only.

The City did develop standards for Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) several years ago.  Staff would suggest amending City Code Section 117-430 (Wind Energy Conversion Systems [WECS]) to be entitled Alternative Energies and within this Section identify the minimum standards for solar energy, geo-thermal energy, WECS, and other uses that may, in the future, be developed. 

There are several questions specifically related to solar that Staff would be interested in getting feedback on and they are:

• Should building/roof mounted panels/systems have separate standards than ground mounted panels/systems?
• Could building/roof mounted panels/systems simply be considered mechanical equipment similar to AC units or compressors?
• Should this be considered as a permitted or conditional use and should there be a difference between ground mounted and roof mounted systems?
• Should there be a maximum height specified for ground mounted panels/systems (building/roof mounted panels/systems could be potentially be restricted to the maximum building height in a particular district)?
• Should City Code address location on a property such as only in side or rear yards?
  • Note that this may lead to a need for a variance if existing property owners are interested in pursuing a ground mounted system (sun exposure, potential sunlight obstructions etc would likely dictate the more effective placement for such systems).
• Should screening be required for ground mounted systems?
  • Note that this may be difficult as the screening could not obstruct solar access to the panels.

Attached to this case is an ordinance that was adopted by the City of Brooklyn Park.  This is intended for reference purposes only to assist with this initial discussion.

This discussion topic, as well as any potential future ordinance amendment, is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.

Staff is seeking general comments and thoughts on the potential creation of an Alternative Energies Section in City Code and any specific items that would or would or not be desired to include in such an amendment.  Staff will utilize input received through this discussion to frame a potential amendment for future consideration.

Provide comments to Staff to help guide the creation of an Alternative Energies Section in City Code to address solar energy, geo-thermal energy, and wind energy (noting that standards already exist for WECS).