VI. 1. Application 2017-08-TA - Alternative Energy Systems Zoning Text AmendmentMEMO
To: Planning Commission Chair and Members
From: City Planner Jason Lindahl, AICP
Date: February 27, 2018
Subject: Alternative Energy Systems Zoning Regulations
Proposed Action – Hear a presentation on local government energy planning and important factors
to consider when creating zoning regulations for alternative energy systems.
Overview
Last month, the Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed existing energy conditions in Hopkins
and the State of Minnesota’s Model Solar Ordinance. After that review, the Commission requested
staff schedule a presentation from the City’s SolSmart contact to provide more detailed information
about solar energy systems. During the February meeting, the Commission will hear from SolSmart
Solar Advisor Cameran Baily and Senior Energy Planner with the Great Plains Institute Abby Finis.
Ms. Finis will provide an overview of local government energy planning and the tools and regulatory
options available. Mr. Baily’s will discuss various types of solar energy systems, discuss different
solar-friendly zoning principles and suggest how they could be applied in Hopkins. Background
information for both Mr. Baily and Ms. Finis are provided below
Cameran J. Bailey Bio: Cameran is the Solar Technical, Planning, and Permitting Advisor to the
Met Council and all of its 188 communities. He reviews comprehensive plans for solar resource
compliance and completeness, and serves as a personal advisor to communities interested in
achieving designation in the nationally-recognized SolSmart Solar Program.
Cameran has lived and worked in over 15 states and provinces across the U.S. and Canada. He
brings to the Council and its communities a B.S. in Civil Engineering, a Masters in Urban &
Regional Planning, and 5 years of experience in heavy-civil and renewable energy project
management, development, and field engineering. He also comes with professional and academic
experience in transportation planning, sustainability planning, systems analysis, and climate change
vulnerability assessments from Alberta, to New Jersey, to Texas, and many places in between.
Cameran serves on the University of MN’s Energy Transition Lab Strategic Planning Advisory
Committee, the Utility Energy Registry State Working Group, the MN Solar Pathways Project, and
leads a MN Solar Land Field Initiative.
Abby Finis Bio: Abby Finis joined the Great Plains Institute as part of CR Planning, a small urban
planning firm that specialized in sustainability and energy. She works with communities in
Minnesota and throughout the Midwest to implement energy and climate action plans, analyze
community resiliency, and help cities become more sustainable. Abby is currently co-Director of the
Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program and serves as co-chair for the Minneapolis Energy Vision
Advisory Committee.
Abby began her career at the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources
where she implemented local government clean energy and energy efficiency programs. Abby
received a Master's of Urban and Regional Planning from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at
the University of Minnesota, and a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Oregon.