Planning commission backs Monson 40 kW solar array with conditions after neighbors raise property-line and visual concerns

The Todd County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a conditional-use permit (CUP) for a 40-kilowatt ground-mounted solar array on property owned by Ronald and Carla Monson, subject to staff-recommended conditions addressing agency permits and interconnection requirements.

Staff explained the proposal for a ground-mounted photovoltaic system on multiple zoning districts (AF1, AF2 and shoreland) and said designs that will supply more than 120% of a primary use’s average annual consumption require CUP review. Staff recommended two main conditions be satisfied before issuance of land-use permits, including obtaining necessary permits and a submitted interconnection agreement with the electric service provider; staff noted the applicant had submitted a draft interconnection agreement but the service provider had not yet signed it.

Applicant Ronald Monson (represented at the meeting) and John Hagman of WolfTrak Energy said excess electricity would be sold back to Minnesota Power through net metering and that the system is about 40 kW (roughly 100 panels). A nearby landowner raised concerns about property lines, a driveway easement and potential visual impact. The neighbor described a longstanding boundary dispute and asked the commission to postpone action until surveying and boundary questions are settled.

Commissioners discussed setbacks, shoreland visibility standards, screening and the practicality of moving the array farther from the neighbor’s house. Staff and the applicant said panels would meet building setbacks (30 feet sideline in AF zones) and the applicant agreed to provide a property-line survey and plant a single row of conifer trees as screening; staff proposed making those conditions of approval. Commissioners expressed concern that the installation—based on previous usage figures—would produce substantially more electricity than the primary use (applicant estimated about 600% of prior usage) but noted the ordinance requires only that systems exceeding 120% be processed as conditional uses, not that they be prohibited.

A motion to recommend approval with four conditions (including required permitting from other agencies, submission of a signed interconnection agreement before land-use permit issuance, submittal of a property-line survey and a screening/landscaping plan) passed on roll call. Staff said the recommendation will go to the county board on Oct. 15.