HomeMy WebLinkAboutKYLE AVENUE SOLAR ARRAY - PDP / FDP - FDP180026 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE REQUEST10/9/2018
Kai Kleer
City of Fort Collins
Planning Services
Re: Kyle Avenue Solar Project Landscaping
Dear Kai:
We would like to request the following Alternative Compliance for Landscape Requirements.
The current standard calls for canopy trees to be planted around the project and along Kyle Avenue. The
Kyle Avenue Solar Project is requesting an alternative compliance to this standard for the following
reasons:
1. The project is a solar array that when shaded, severely reduces the production of clean,
renewable electricity. Therefore, planting trees that will be tall enough to shade the solar panels
is not recommended and will significantly impact the financial viability of the project. The
request is in line with City Plan Policy ENV 5.2, which states: “Protect unobstructed sunlight in
planning and development processes to promote the use of solar energy”.
2. The current condition at the site is an open field adjacent to Prairie Dog Meadows Open Space, a
landscape with few trees and dominated by prairie grassland and native shrubs. To maintain the
open views and match the existing landscape Namaste Solar is proposing a landscape plan that
features native shrubs and plants typical for this ecosystem, as well as pollinator friendly seed
mixes to restore areas of the site disturbed by construction activities. Namaste Solar worked
extensively with Environmental Planning and Natural Areas to develop the proposed
landscaping plan for this site that compliments the existing landscape and surrounding
ecosystem.
3. The is currently no water or irrigation on the site and because the development of the solar
project will not require any water, no water lines or irrigation are being proposed.
Please contact with me with any questions about this request.
Regards,
Heath Mackay
Director of Project Development
Namaste Solar.