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<br />rei ---\) <br />( ); <br />tll< <br /> <br /> <br />Item # 6.19. <br /> <br />MEMORANDUM <br /> <br />TO: <br /> <br />Planning Commission <br /> <br />Scott Harlicker, Planning ASsistan~ <br />DATE: April 19, 1999 <br /> <br />FROM: <br /> <br />SUBJECT: Request by City of Elk River for an <br />Ordinance Amendment to Allow <br />Wind Generators, Public Hearing <br />Case No. OA 99-2 <br /> <br />Request <br /> <br />Consider a request by the City of Elk River to amend the zoning code to allow <br />wind generators as a conditional use in the Al (Agricultural Conservation) <br />district <br /> <br />Issue <br /> <br />. The City, as part of the Energy City Program, is has been approached <br />regarding the construction of a wind generator in the north section of the <br />city. The current zoning code does not address this type of facility. In order to <br />allow wind generators to be constructed, it is suggested the zoning code be <br />amended to allow them as a conditional use in the Al district. <br /> <br />Requiring a conditional use would allow the city an opportunity to address <br />any potential adverse impacts. Potential impacts include visual, noise, safety, <br />environmental and property values. <br /> <br />Visual <br /> <br />Because the height of the wind generators will be more than 100 feet, there is <br />the potential for visual impacts. Visual impacts can be addressed during the <br />CUP process. Criteria #vi states that the proposed use will not result in the <br />destruCtion, loss or damage of a natural or scenic feature. As an example, if a <br />proposed generator was visible from Top of the World park it would have to <br />be addressed. There are also covenants related to a DNR grant that requires <br />the natural look of the park be maintained. <br /> <br />Noise <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330. TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420. Fax: (612) 441-7425 <br />