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HomeMy Public PortalAboutBy-Law 2015-35 Adopt Policy for Proposed Ground Mount Solar ProjectsCORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF TWEED BY-LAW NO. 2015-35 Being a By -Law to adopt a policy for Proposed Ground Mount Solar Projects in the Municipality of Tweed. WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001 provides the general authority for Councils to adopt policies; NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Tweed enacts as follows: 1. That the Municipality of Tweed Policy for Proposed Ground Mount Solar Projects attached hereto as Schedule "A" to this By -Law is hereby adopted as the policy for the Request for a Municipal Support Resolution regarding the FIT Program for Proposed Ground Mount Solar Projects in the Municipality of Tweed. 2. That this By -Law shall come into force and take effect immediately upon the passing thereof by the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Tweed. Read a first and second time this 25th day of August, 2015. Read a third and fmal time, passed, signed and sealed in open Council this 25th day of August, 2015. 0 ACTIN CLERK CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF TWEED POLICY FOR Requests for a Municipal Support Resolution regarding the FIT Program Proposed Ground Mount Solar Projects The Municipality of Tweed requires sufficient information regarding a proposed renewable energy project under the Ontario Power Authority's FIT (Feed -in -Tariff) Program before considering a supportive resolution. Accordingly, proponents of a FIT project are directed to conduct the following process: Required Steps: A. Undertake Pre -consultation with Council; B. Conduct a Public Information Session, if applicable; and, C. Submit a complete `Request for Municipal Resolution' information package. A. Undertake Pre -Consultation with Council In requesting Municipal Council support, proponents are required to submit project information for a site -specific resolution. At minimum, the following information (as applicable) must accompany all requests for a Council resolution for review by Municipal staff. Staff will consider the submitted information together with information from Step B, in making a subsequent recommendation to Council: 1. Proponent Information: • Brief profile of the company, applicant, landowner and/or developer and contact information. • Draft letter requesting a Council resolution from the applicant and/or property owner, including a letter of acknowledgement and support from the property owner. 2. General Location and Site ,Information: • Key map. • Municipal address and legal description. • PIN Map and PIN Abstract. • Description of existing buildings and existing land uses. • Site photos and drawings. 3. Proposed Project Information: • Size of the project (KW) and ground dimensions (e.g. area covered and maximum height of facilities). Policy for a Municipal Support Resolution re: FIT Program n • A statement as to the proposed approval processes - Renewable Energy Approval (REA) or the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) process. • Description of the renewable generation technology to be used. • Estimated capital value being invested. • Description of the visual barriers to be used. • A statement of whether municipal trees will be removed from a public right-of- way(s). • A description of proposed alterations to site grading, if any, and proposed erosion controls. • Design of installation (method of fixing to the ground). • Construction schedule, estimated associated truck movements, anticipated completion and decommissioning dates. • Location of driveway and any internal roadway(s). • Setbacks from any significant slopes (vertical to horizontal ratio of 3:1 or more). • Information on any community benefits (e.g. portion of revenue returned to the local community, tax class and rate, in -kind contributions, local employment). • Confirmation statement that solar panels will use a non -reflective coating as a means of reducing glare. • Description of greenhouse gas emission reductions and other environmental benefits. • Design statement that ensures the project aesthetics are consistent with the character of the surrounding neighbourhood/uses. • Description of on -going maintenance and security activities. 4. Land Use Information: • Description of existing land uses and buildings on the subject property. • Description of adjacent land uses and buildings. • Confirmation of the Land Use Zoning and Official Plan Designations, and information on whether the project is "consistent with" the relevant regulations/policies. • Confirmation that soil classes are less than Class 1, 2, or 3 (Canada Land Use Inventory of Soil Capability for Common Field Crops (as shown on http://www. omafra. gov.on. ca/english/Ianduse/feed-in-tariffprogram. htm). • Identify any existing wetlands and water features. 5. Consultation Records: • Statement of consistency with the Municipality's Integrated Community Sustainability Plan. • Conditions/comments from: o Fire Chief, o Public Works Manager, o Chief Building Official. • Letters of support from immediately adjacent landowners within 120 m of the subject property. 0 Page 2 of 3 Policy for a Municipal Support Resolution re: FIT Program B. Conduct a Public Information Session Proponents of ground mount solar projects of more than 500 kW and that effect a development area of more than 1.5 hectares are required to host a Public Information Session prior to making a request for a supportive Municipal resolution. Written comments submitted by individuals of the public at the Information Session shall form part of the proponents' complete information package to Council for its review before considering a supportive resolution. Proponents of ground mount solar projects of less than 500 kW and that effect a development area of 1.5 hectares or less are not required to host a Public Information Session. C. Submit a complete `Request for Municipal Resolution' Information Package. A complete `Request for Municipal Resolution' information package shall include: • the finalized documentation of A. and B. above. • a completed draft of the 'PRESCRIBED FORM: ZONING CERTIFICATE FOR NON -ROOFTOP SOLAR PROJECT' issued under the Ontario Power Authority's FIT Rules 3.0. • a non-refundable application fee of $750.00 per project made payable to the Municipality of Tweed. NOTES: 1. If the proponent wishes to present to Council, a request to make a delegation is required to be scheduled for a Council meeting date corresponding with the Municipal staff report; 2. If granted, a supportive resolution does not negate any other approvals required for renewable energy projects under Ontario Power Authority's FIT Program, the Ontario Building Code, Conservation Authority regulations, or other non- exempt Municipal by-laws or Provincial regulations, as may apply. 3. Please note that a project -specific Council resolution may take several weeks to process from the time a request is submitted, dependent on Council's meeting schedule and the accuracy, completeness and clarity of the information provided. a Page 3 of 3