03-09-2015 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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1VIINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COIVIlVIISSION MEETING Monday,November 17,2014 7:00 o'clock p.m. �:/ The 2013 draft ordinance did not allow for commerciaUindustrial WECS and therefore did not include "I standards for them. Model ordinances suggest differing capacities for residential versus commercial �� � WECS. For instance,the MPCA model defines commercial WECS as equal to or greater than 100 kW and non-commercial as less than 100 kW. Issues for consideration include the following: 1. The intent of this study is to establish standards for Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems (SWECS)as defined by state statute; i.e.,those WECS less than 5,000 kW capacity. 2. The City can establish a wide variety of standards for SWECS that provide for appropriate siting, design,construction, operation, safeTy, and compatibility with surrounding]and uses. The 2013 draft was purposely quite limiting in many respects and should be reviewed to consider whether those standards should be revised. 3. The 2013 draft ordinance may be a useful starting point for review. However,the Planning Commission should be open to talcing into consideration viewpoints from the industry,property owners,and other regulatory agencies in crafting an ordinance that meets the City's goals. 4. The Planning Commission should consider whether SWECS should be an allowed use in commerciaUindustrial districts,and if so,whether they should be subject to different standards than residential SWECS. Gai�'ron stated the Planning Commission should review the informational materials to ensure all issues and concerns are addressed and then suggest any changes to the 2013 draft ordinance they feel are appropriate. Gaffron stated the Planning Commission may choose to table this item to allow for additional consideration. The Planning Commission had no questions for Staff. Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. Page 5 of 35