Workshop Item - Lori Johnson, City Planner
Title
Code Amendment for Free Standing Solar Displays in Industrial Districts
Background
Staff was recently approached by a representative of Nokomis Energy regarding the installation of a free-standing solar array on a site adjacent to and owned by Medtronic. The Medtronic campus buildings are located in Mounds View, but the parking lot is in Blaine. The site on which Medtronic would like to construct the free standing solar array is on a vacant parcel in Blaine that is adjacent to their parking lot. Please see the attached plans depicting the location of the site.
The zoning ordinance currently only allows free standing solar arrays in the PBD (Planned Business District) zoning district with a conditional use permit. In the PBD, the solar arrays must be an accessory use to an adjacent building.
At the workshop, staff will present additional information on Nokomis Energy and any proposed amendments that could be made to the zoning ordinance to allow this use in all industrial districts if the Council wishes to make that recommendation.
Staff Recommendation
Review the attached information on the proposed project and provide staff with direction on any possible changes that could be made to the zoning ordinance to allow this use.
Attachment List
Nokomis Energy Presentation including Location Map
Site Plan