02-11-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, January 22, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 4 7. LA18-000103 ALL ENERGY SOLAR ON BEHALF OF ELEANOR FERRIL, 240 WAKEFIELD ROAD, VARIANCE, 7:51 P.M. – 8:21 P.M. Eleanor Ferril, Applicant, and Isaac Lindstrom, All Energy Solar, were present. Barnhart stated the applicant, on behalf of the property owner, is proposing to install a solar array on a rack to be installed in their rear yard. Solar arrays are a permitted use in all districts and the requirements that they be screened from view as much as practice presents challenges as it is virtually impossible to screen the roof of a building. The intent is, however, to minimize the visual impact of the improvements on the neighbors and protect against glare and reflection. Because the solar array is located on a rack, a variance is required to allow a ground mounted solar array where only those mounted to a roof are permitted. At the rear of the property there is a large berm so it will likely be screened from the Luce Line. However, the solar array would be visible to the house to the south. Staff has completed a preliminary review of the project for compatibility with the septic system and has determined that the project is not likely to impact the existing or future septic sites. The applicant has provided some additional information regarding the glare of these arrays. The proposed location within trees at the southwest corner of the property is intended to offer a visual buffer from the neighboring properties. Some of the impacts include glare, tree removal. The Applicant and the property owner are here tonight and would be happy to address the glare issue. Barnhart noted glare might be a misnomer to a point since what they are proposing is photovoltaic that absorbs the sunlight. The property owner will also provide some information on tree cutting. There is currently quite a bit of buckthorn and other invasive species in that area and their plans are to remove that and replant with native vegetation. Barnhart commented this is a difficult one regarding a recommendation from Staff since solar arrays are allowed but not on a rack. Thiesse asked if the property owners would be allowed to put an accessory structure there. Barnhart indicated they are. Thiesse noted the applicants would be allowed to place solar panels on top of the accessory structure and not be required to go before the City for approval in that situation. Thiesse stated he did sit in the parking lot across from the trail and that the house was visible so he is not so sure the rack will be hidden. Barnhart noted he was on the trail and not the parking lot and that he could not see beyond the berm. Lemke asked if this would be considered an accessory structure. Barnhart indicated it would not be since it would not be a building or a structure. Thiesse asked what the City’s intent was for requiring solar panels to be placed on a roof rather than a rack.