Agenda - 11-08-2012 - 6a - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 initiated a text amendment to modify existing language governing the development of utilities within the county. The amendment proposal will also include the development of new regulations associated with the development of solar arrays. Through this process, staff is proposing to modify the UDO to: • Modify and clarify existing regulations governing the development of utilities within the County, • Create new section(s) governing the development of solar arrays as accessory uses, and • Create new section(s) governing the development of alternative energy devices as a principal use of property. Additional work may be necessary to address specific design standards for other alternative energy devices (i.e. wind, geothermal, etc.) as directed by the BOCC. During the review of proposed modifications, staff determined additional amendments would be necessary to the following Sections of the UDO: 1. Section 5.1.2 Uses Permitted as a Matter of Right; 2. Section(s) 5.2.1 and 5.2.2 — Table of Permitted Uses; 3. Article 10 — Definitions in order to properly incorporate proposed revisions. 2. Analvsis Recently there has been heightened interest in the development of solar arrays within the county. While there is technically no land use category within the UDO specifically geared towards the development of a solar array, staff has determined that such uses would fall into the following land use designations as detailed within Section 5.2 Table of Permitted Uses of the UDO: 1. ACCESSORY USE: Staff would consider the erection/use of a solar array intended to generate energy for either direct personal consumption or as a means of off-setting power usage through established programs with various local utility companies as a customary accessory use, permitted by right (i.e. staff approval) for all developments in every zoning district. The main caveat is that the device has to be subordinate to the principal use on a given parcel of property and not, due to its size, dwarf the existing principal use and be required to adhere to all applicable development limitations (i.e. setbacks, impervious surface, etc.). 2. PRINCIPAL USE: Staff would consider any development of a solar array to be permitted as a Public Utility Stations and Substations, Switching Stations, Telephone Exchange, Water and Sewer Treatment Plants land use, which is a permitted use in every zoning district subject to the review and approval of a Class A Special Use Permit. Existing development standards do not necessarily complement the development of 2