Orono Community Management Plan 2020-2040

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CMP Part 3A. Environmental Protection Plan City of Orono Community Management Plan 2020-2040 Part 3A, Page 14 FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT An element of surface water management addressed in the SWMP Goals is the management of flood plains and wetlands. The City of Orono originally adopted a Flood Plain Ordinance in 1970, which has since been revised and updated on a regular basis, most recently with Hennepin County’s mapping revision in November, 2016. The principles of flood plain regulation go hand-in-hand with those of stormwater management. The City will be best served by retention of open land uses which would locate permanent structures and artificial obstructions in a manner that would not obstruct the passage of waters nor destroy the natural public waters, marshes and wetlands within the City. The Ordinance is compliant with the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program 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 Gross Potential Rooftop Potential Gross Generation Potential Rooftop Generation 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