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To: Chair Kirchner and Planning Commission Members <br />Adam Edwards, City Administrator <br />From: Jeremy Barnhart, AICP, Community Development <br />Director <br />Date: October 18, 2021 <br />Subject: #LA21-000067, City of Orono, Text Amendment related to Solar Panel coverage <br />Public Hearing <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 />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 />ŝƚLJŽƵŶĐŝů <br />>ϮϭͲϲϳ <br />džŚŝďŝƚ