6251 Teton Lane Variance 24-07Planning Case #2024-07
6251 Teton Lane
Planning Commission – June 18, 2024
Applicant: TruNorth Solar LLC
Requesting a variance from Division 20-XXIII-10 Accessory Solar Energy Systems.
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Location: 6251 Teton Lane
Zoning: Residential Single-Family (RSF)
Land Use: Low Density Residential
Lot Size: 2.13 acres
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Proposed Ground Mounted Solar
Height: 10.5 feet
Setbacks: Front (West) – 365’
Rear (East) – 55’
Side (South) – 130’
Side (North) – 55’
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Zoning Overview
(c) Standards.
Applicability. A system is considered an accessory solar energy system only if it supplies electrical or thermal power primarily for on-site use, except that when a property upon which
the facility is installed also receives electrical power supplied by a utility company, excess electrical power generated and not presently needed for on-site use may be used by the
utility company.
Exemption. Passive or building-integrated solar energy systems are exempt for the requirements of this section and shall be regulated as any other building element.
Location.
Whenever practical, all accessory solar energy systems shall be attached to a building. If not designed to be attached to a building, the applicant shall demonstrate by credible evidence
that such systems cannot feasibly be attached to a building due to structural limitations of the building.
In residential zoning districts, no portion of any accessory solar energy system shall be located within or above any front or side yard or within any required setback of any property,
save that they may be located within rear yards so long as they maintain a minimum rear setback of ten feet. Ground-mounted systems on corner lots may not be located in any yard abutting
a street.
In nonresidential zoning districts, ground-mounted systems must comply with the district's setbacks.
4) Height.
Building- or roof-mounted solar energy systems shall comply with the maximum height requirements in the applicable zoning district. Roof-mounted systems on pitched or hipped roofs may
not extend above the peak of the roof.
Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed the maximum accessory structure height within the underlying zoning district.
5) Glare.
Reflection angles from accessory solar energy system surfaces shall be oriented away from neighboring windows.
Accessory solar energy systems shall be designed and located in order to prevent reflective glare towards adjacent street right-of-way.
6) Screening.
Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall be screened from view to the extent possible without reducing their efficiency. Screening may include walls, fences, or landscaping.
7) Design.
Roof-mounted solar collectors shall be flush mounted on pitched or hipped roofs and shall not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building on which the system is mounted.
Roof- and building-mounted solar energy systems shall use dark unobtrusive colors or colors that blend with the color of the roof or building.
All exterior electrical and/or plumbing lines must be buried below the surface of the ground and shall be placed in a conduit.
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Justification
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Staff Summary and Assessment
Staff believes that the proposed variance for a ground mounted accessory solar energy system is reasonable and recommends that it be approved subject to the conditions listed in the
staff report.
A variance may be granted if all of the following criteria are met:
Variances shall only be permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this chapter and when the variances are consistent with the comprehensive plan. Staff
agrees this condition is met.
When there are practical difficulties in complying with the zoning ordinance. "Practical difficulties," as used in connection with the granting of a variance, means that the property
owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by this chapter. Practical difficulties include, but are not limited to, inadequate access to direct sunlight
for solar energy systems. Staff agrees this condition is met.
That the purpose of the variation is not based upon economic considerations alone. Staff agrees this condition is met.
The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner. Staff agrees this condition is met.
The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Staff agrees this condition is met.
Variances shall be granted for earth-sheltered construction as defined in M.S. § 216C.06, subd. 14, when in harmony with this chapter. Not Applicable to this request.
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Planning Commission Discussion
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Public Hearing
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Planning Commission Discussion
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Proposed Motion
“The Chanhassen Board of Appeals and Adjustments approves the requested ground mounted solar energy system variance for the construction of the system at 6251 Teton Lane subject to the
conditions of approval and adopts the attached Findings of Facts and Decision.”
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