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CITY OF LAKEVILLE
PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES
May 19, 2022
Chair Jeff Witte called the work session to order at 6:49 p.m.
Members Present: Chair Jeff Witte, Vice Chair Jenna Majorowicz, Karl Drotning, and
Brooks Lillehei
Members Absent: Pat Kaluza, Christine Zimmer, and Patty Zuzek
Staff Present: Planning Director Daryl Morey and Associate Planner Frank Dempsey
Others Present: Matthew Homuth, 10530 – 175th Street and Danielle DeMarre, All
Energy Solar
Matthew Homuth Solar Panel Variance
Mr. Homuth and Ms. DeMarre stated the reason behind this variance request is that,
due to the physical features of the lot, the solar panels need to be ground mounted and
not roof mounted. Mr. Homuth stated there is a large tree located behind the house that
he does not want to remove and that currently blocks sun exposure to the house from
the south.
Mr. Dempsey presented the staff report. Mr. Dempsey stated the 120 square foot size
limitations in the RS-2, Single Family Residential District for ground mounted solar
panels is based upon the size limitations for single family detached accessory buildings.
He stated that, instead of a variance, Mr. Homuth has the option to apply for an
amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to allow larger ground mounted solar panels by
conditional use permit (CUP), similar to the CUP allowances for detached accessory
buildings.
The Planning Commission concurred that the request would not meet the variance
practical difficulty (hardship) criteria outlined in 11-6-5 of the Zoning Ordinance and
recommended that Mr. Homuth work with staff to submit a Zoning Ordinance
amendment application instead.
The work session adjourned at 7:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Daryl Morey, Planning Director