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Proposed Land Use Code text amendments in Docket DC-18-0002 related to solar energy systems were approved by the Planning Commission on Sept. 17, 2018. The proposed changes pertain primarily to Land Use Code Articles 4 (Zoning) and 18 (Definitions). Proposed changes include adding use categories for building-mounted, ground-mounted and parking canopy systems; changing review requirements for certain types of solar projects; allowing community solar garden-scale projects on designated Significant Agricultural Lands; changing from capacity-based to area-of-disturbance based size categories for ground-mounted solar; among other changes.
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Docket DC-18-0002 on Thurs., Oct. 25, beginning at 9 a.m.
Board of County Commissioners Public Hearing
Date: Thurs., Oct. 25, 2018
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Commissioners’ Hearing Room, Boulder County Courthouse, Third Floor, 1325 Pearl St., Boulder
Documents: Staff report for Oct. 25, 2018
Planning Commission Public Hearing action, Sept. 17, 2018
At the Planning Commission public hearing on Sept. 17, 2018, Sinead O’Dwyer, Long Range Planner, presented the proposed Land Use Code amendments pertaining to solar energy systems, the reasons for the amendments, referral comments, and changes since the study session of July 23, 2018. Staff recommended that the Boulder County Planning Commission recommend to the Board of County Commissioners approval of Docket DC-18-0002.
The Planning Commissioners discussed the proposed amendments and particularly the treatment of solar on BCCP-designated Significant Agricultural Lands, identifying a desire to balance opening additional appropriate land areas in the county for solar development with preservation of existing agricultural character and values. Read the summary of the hearing in the meeting minutes or view the hearing video for more information.
After public comments and board discussion, a motion was made that the Board of County Commissioners approve the proposed Land Use Code text amendments to solar-related provisions in Docket DC-18-0002: Proposed Amendments to the Boulder County Land Use Code related to Solar Energy Systems as presented in Attachment B of the staff report. The motion passed unanimously (7 to 0).
Background
The Board of County Commissioners authorized staff to pursue text amendments to the Boulder County Land Use Code related to solar energy systems on May 10, 2018. The purpose of the Code amendments is to facilitate solar energy installation in appropriate locations, while balancing the county’s sustainability-related goals and policies with the scenic, agricultural, and environmental values of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan.
For questions or comments on this docket, please contact Planner Sinead O'Dwyer at [email protected], or call 303-441-4597.
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A shining example of good governance and leadership has termed out in Boulder County. Hillary Hall’s twelve years as county clerk comes to an end this year.
Hall has served during tumultuous times. Before she was elected she was already in the leadership of her party. As chair of the Boulder Democrats, Hillary had a seat at the table in ballot access discussions. She made herself well informed and educated others. Read more.
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Longmont Pet of the Week: Goodall
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The Curious Relationship Between Altitude And Suicide
Suicide is one of the top 10 causes of death in the U.S. In the next 20 years, it’s expected to cause more than 2 million deaths per year worldwide, ranking 14th in the world as a cause of death. Read further.
Well Seasoned: Pumpkin Seeds
The Saturday Longmont Farmers Market is currently ablaze in orange, with tumbling piles of pumpkins, squash, and decorative gourds. The display brings smiles to all the shoppers, who choose their personal pumpkin carefully, examining from every angle to ascertain the “best’ side. For the farmers, hauling these hefty specimens is a cross to bear and there always seems to be extra young farmhands nearby to carry them out to the parking lots for the purchasers. Those orange orbs are a lot of work on either side, both growers and buyers. Continue reading.
