11-19-2018 Planning Commission Packet

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CMP Part 3A. Environmental Protection Plan codified as 44 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 59--78, as amended, so as to maintain the community's eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program. Orono's defined flood plains are depicted on Map 3A-5. SHORELAND MANAGEMENT The City of Orono in 1992 adopted a comprehensive Shoreland Management Ordinance, pursuant to the authorization and policies contained in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103F, Minnesota Regulations Parts 6120.2500-6120.3900, and the planning and zoning enabling legislation in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462. In 2012,this ordinance was amended to better promote the public health, safety and general welfare by providing for the wise subdivision,use and development of shorelands abutting public waters that exist within the City's corporate boundaries. Orono's defined Shoreland Overlay District is depicted on Map 3A-6. SOLAR ACCESS PROTECTION Minnesota Statutes 473.859 requires that local comprehensive plans include an element for the protection and development of access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems.The City of Orono will protect such access by requiring minimum standards for lot sizes,amounts of open space,yard setbacks,and maximum height of buildings for urban and rural residents. Land uses should not preclude the possible use of solar energy systems. The Metropolitan Council has estimated the City's solar potential as follows: Table 3A-4 Solar Potential ` Rooftop Gross Rooftop Generation Gross Potential Potential Generation Potential Potential (Mwh/yr) (Mwh/yr) (Mwh/yr)2 (Mwh/yr)2 14,656,623 442,509 1,465,662 44,251 Figure 3A-2 displays the City's Solar Suitability Analysis. Protecting solar access means protecting solar collectors (or the location of future collectors)from shading by adjacent structures or vegetation. Existing structures and buildings in the City generally do not present significant shading problems for solar energy systems and the City's promise of open, rural spaces is intended to protect that condition. Most single family attached and detached homes are one or two stories and most multi-family, commercial, and industrial buildings are three stories or less. Solar energy systems and equipment are generally a permitted use if attached to structures.The zoning ordinance provides standards for the protection and establishment of these solar energy systems. While these ordinance standards help protect solar access, it is not possible for every part of a building or lot to obtain unobstructed solar access. Mature trees, topography, and the location of structures can limit solar access. However, on most properties the rooftop of the principal building would be free of shading City of Orono Community Management Plan 2020-2040 Part 3A, Page 15