Discuss Potential Zoning Amendment for Solar Improvements

Connexus Energy has applied for a Zoning Amendment and a Conditional Use Permit to construct a new solar garden on the property legally described as Lot 3 Block 1 River Crossing Addition (the "Subject Property").  The Subject Property is owned by Anoka County and would be leased by Connexus Energy.  When the City contemplated solar energy systems several years ago, the Zoning Code was amended to consider ground or building mounted solar energy systems as a permitted accessory use in any zoning district.  However, it did not account for or address the possibility of a solar energy system being the principal use of a property, as would be the case with Connexus' proposal. 

Both the current zoning standards for solar energy systems and the information submitted by Connexus are attached for reference.  Staff would like to hear any initial feedback the Board may have on a potential Zoning Amendment that would allow for solar energy systems to be a principal use on a property with the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit.  A specific Ordinance has not been prepared at this time.  Staff has discussed the timing of this project with Connexus Energy and they have agreed to allow this item to proceed to the September Planning Commission meeting (originally was to go to the August meeting) to allow the City sufficient time to contemplate and prepare a Zoning Amendment that not only addresses this request but will hopefully avoid the need for potential future amendments as well.