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.
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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
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• 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.
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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.
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