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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Tuesday,January 22,2019 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> permitted. At the rear of the property there is a large berm so it will likely be screened from the Luce <br /> Line. However,the solar array would be visible to the house to the south. <br /> Staff has completed a preliminary review of the project for compatibility with the septic system and has <br /> determined that the project is not likely to impact the existing or future septic sites. <br /> The applicant has provided some additional information regarding the glare of these arrays. The proposed <br /> location within trees at the southwest corner of the property is intended to offer a visual buffer from the <br /> neighboring properties. Some of the impacts include glare,tree removal. The Applicant and the property <br /> owner are here tonight and would be happy to address the glare issue. Barnhart noted glare might be a <br /> misnomer to a point since what they are proposing is photovoltaic that absorbs the sunlight. <br /> The property owner will also provide some information on tree cutting. There is currently quite a bit of <br /> buckthorn and other invasive species in that area and their plans are to remove that and replant with native <br /> vegetation. <br /> Barnhart commented this is a difficult one regarding a recommendation from Staff since solar arrays are <br /> allowed but not on a rack. <br /> Thiesse asked if the property owners would be allowed to put an accessory structure there. <br /> Barnhart indicated they are. <br /> Thiesse noted the applicants would be allowed to place solar panels on top of the accessory structure and <br /> not be required to go before the City for approval in that situation. Thiesse stated he did sit in the parking <br /> lot across from the trail and that the house was visible so he is not so sure the rack will be hidden. <br /> Barnhart noted he was on the trail and not the parking lot and that he could not see beyond the berm. <br /> Lemke asked if this would be considered an accessory structure. <br /> Barnhart indicated it would not be since it would not be a building or a structure. <br /> Thiesse asked what the City's intent was for requiring solar panels to be placed on a roof rather than a <br /> rack. <br /> Barnhart noted he was not with the City at that time but that it likely related to a massing concern and an <br /> impact to the neighborhood. <br /> Landgraver stated to his belief the discussion revolved around solar panels being less intrusive on the roof <br /> versus their back yard and that the Council felt people could go through the variance process if they <br /> wanted something different. <br /> Thiesse noted the applicants are pushing the rack as far away from the house as possible, which is <br /> probably against the intent of the ordinance. <br /> Isaac Lindstrom,All Energy Solar, stated this location was chosen because it has the best access to <br /> sunlight, which is the primary goal, and that they have designed the best system available for her needs. <br /> Page 14 of 20 <br />