To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Bryan Weimer, Director of Public Works and Development
Prepared By:
prepared
Molly Orkild-Larson, Principal Planner, Public Works and Development
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presenter
Presenter: Molly Orkild-Larson, Principal Planner, Public Works and Development
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Subject:
title
USR24-002, USS High Plains Solar LLC - Use by Special Review
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The applicant, USS High Plains Solar LLC, on behalf of the owner, Lowry Environmental Protection Cleanup Trust Fund, is seeking approval of a USR application for a 5.0 megawatt-alternating current photovoltaic solar energy generation facility to be located on a 106.5-acre parcel that is north and adjacent to E. Hampden Avenue and west of E-470. This facility will be located on the north portion of this parcel and north and adjacent to another solar facility (USS Great Plains Solar) proposed on the property. The subject facility will contain PV panels, trackers, inverters, transformers, underground electric collection lines, access roads, and security fencing. The applicant is also requesting a reduction to the 2,000-foot setback from a Designated Outside Activity Area (DOAA). The DOAA is the Plains Conservation Center contains a visitor center, historic structures, and outbuildings used for public education, and is situated 979 feet west of the proposed facility.
The solar facility will obtain access from E. Hamden Avenue and is located within a fenced 29.5-acre lease area on the subject property. Both solar facilities will share the same access roads. The facility will operate unmanned with only infrequent operations and maintenance visits, and weekly site visits to check for trapped or injured wildlife. No water, sanitary sewer, phone, cable, or gas services are proposed for this project.
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Background and Discussion: The parcel is vacant but has been farmed in the past. The applicant initially applied for Administrative Use by...
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