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� 1cLOAto <br /> To: Chair Kirchner and Planning Commission Members <br /> Adam Edwards, City Administrator <br /> From: Jeremy Barnhart,AICP, Community Development <br /> qkEsH0‘6'c.>Director <br /> Date: October 18, 2021 <br /> Subject: #LA21-000067, City of Orono,Text Amendment related to Solar Panel coverage <br /> Public Hearing <br /> Application Summary: The City is proposing a text amendment that would remove the 70% <br /> coverage limit for roof mounted solar panel arrays. <br /> Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends approval as drafted. <br /> Background <br /> The city of Orono established regulations for Solar energy systems in 2013 (Ordinance 119). <br /> Those regulations included a limit for the amount of a roof plane could be covered with solar <br /> panels. That limit was established at 70%. (Section 78-1379 (e) (2) h.) <br /> • The ordinance does not permit ground mounted solar arrays. <br /> In the last year,the City has reviewed two variance requests for additional coverage, both of <br /> these requests were granted (LA20-69 for 83%, and LA20-73,for 75.3%). After the second,staff <br /> was advised to initiate a text amendment to remove the limit. <br /> Analysis: With The removal of the limit as proposed, maximum roof coverage will be a function <br /> of the building code, and the need to maintain access to the roof. Building Code plan review <br /> requirements including information to show the roof can support the equipment, height, and <br /> wind load requirements will still apply. No other changes are proposed. <br /> Public Comments <br /> To date, no public comments have been received. <br /> Issues for Consideration <br /> 1. Are there any other issues or concerns with this application? <br /> Planning Staff Recommendation <br /> Planning Staff recommends approval of the ordinance as drafted. <br /> List of Exhibits <br /> Exhibit A. Draft Text <br /> • <br />