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Otsego council approves zoning change and permits for Xcel Energy substation
Summary
The council approved a zoning-map amendment and conditional/interim use permits for an Xcel Energy substation in the Otsego Industrial Park, after staff and the planning commission found the project consistent with zoning and Xcel responded to public questions about electromagnetic radiation and site screening.
City planner Dan briefed the council on Xcel Energy’s proposal to construct a substation on Lot 1–2 of the Otsego Industrial Park Second Addition, noting the site is guided for industrial land use and the substation is allowed by conditional use permit. Staff described setbacks, two stormwater basins, a 10-foot perimeter fence and a proposed stone veneer wall for screening along Cadler Avenue.
Planning commissioners asked about distribution and transmission connections; Xcel representatives said distribution lines run under or next to transmission structures and engineers explained that part of the transmission line would break, route into the substation and return on essentially the same path. Xcel also provided information addressing public concerns about electromagnetic radiation during the planning commission hearing, which staff said satisfied commissioners.
Staff recommended approval, the planning commission recommended approval by a 6–0 vote, and council moved to amend the zoning map and approve the conditional and interim use permits. A correction to the ordinance number for the record was noted during the meeting (the correct ordinance cited in discussion was 2024-0"9 as stated on the record). Council approved the motion by voice vote.
Staff said exterior lighting, final landscaping and signage will be reviewed at permit stage; conditions from the planning commission and findings of fact will guide final design and permit issuance.
