Agenda - 05-27-2014 - C1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 c. EAST: Single- family residential lots, large undeveloped parcels of property zoned RB. d. WEST: Cascade Drive, single - family residential lots zoned RB. Proposal: The applicant is proposing to develop a Solar Array - Public Utility on the aforementioned properties. As detailed within Attachment 1, the applicant is proposing to erect individual solar array panels on the northern portion of the properties. The Bishop's, who are one of the applicants for this project, will have approximately 1 acre of their 5 acre parcel of property encumbered by individual panels. The array will be approximately 200 feet from an existing structure on the property. A typical array is 6 to 10 feet in height, with approximately 2' to 3' feet of ground clearance depending on the panel angle. The arrays will be screened by existing vegetation and any installed landscaping as depicted on the submitted site plan. An 8 foot high chain link security fence shall enclose the perimeter of the array to prevent access. Gravel paths /drives will be installed around these arrays in order to permit technicians to service the panels. The applicant is indicating they will observe a 50 foot landscaped buffer along the property lines abutting residentially zoned property as required by the UDO. They will also leave the southern portion of the site (outside the security fencing) undeveloped. Vehicular access to the site is restricted by an access gate off of Cascade Drive. The applicant is not proposing to develop a business, habitable structures, or other similar office facilities on the property. Therefore, no septic or well systems are proposed, or required, as part of the project. According to the applicant the New Hope Volunteer Fire Department and Orange County EMS will be provided a key to access the site in the event of an emergency. An overhead, medium voltage, power line will be installed on the west of the identified leased area allowing the proposed facility to tie into the power grid via the existing electrical substation to the west of the property. Ordinance Requirements — Class A Special Use: in accordance with Section 5.9.6 (C) (2) Solar Arrays of the UDO, the project is required to demonstrate compliance with the following standards of evaluation: (a) All on -site utility and transmission lines shall, to the extent feasible, be placed underground. STAFF COMMENT. Based on language provided on the site plan the applicant is proposing to adhere to this requirement. (b) The height of proposed arrays and support structures shall not exceed 40 feet. STAFF COMMENT. Data on the submitted site plan, specifically the typical rack height elevation, indicates the height of the racks will be approximately 6 -10 feet from ground elevation. No other support structures, other than utility poles, are proposed. (c) Individual arrays /solar panels shall be designed and located in order to prevent reflective glare toward any inhabited buildings on adjacent properties as well as adjacent street rights -of -way. STAFF COMMENT. Detail in the application narrative indicates the applicant will comply with this provision.