HF 392

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 01/23/2017 01:38pm

A bill for an act
relating to energy; providing for local authority over permit applications by large
energy facilities powered by solar generating systems; proposing coding for new
law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 216B.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [216B.2435] SOLAR FACILITY PERMIT AUTHORITY; ASSUMPTION
BY COUNTIES.
new text end

new text begin (a) A county board may, by resolution and upon written notice to the Public Utilities
Commission, assume responsibility for processing applications for permits required under
this chapter for large energy facilities, as defined by section 216B.2421, powered by solar
energy generating systems. The responsibility for permit application processing, if assumed
by a county, may be delegated by the county board to an appropriate county officer or
employee. Processing by a county must comply with procedures and processes established
under chapter 394.
new text end

new text begin (b) A county board that exercises its option under paragraph (a) may issue, deny, modify,
impose conditions upon, or revoke permits pursuant to this section. The action of the county
board regarding a permit application is final, subject to appeal as provided under section
394.27.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commission must, by order, establish general permit standards, including
appropriate property line set-backs, governing site permits for large energy facilities powered
by solar energy generating systems under this section. The order must consider existing and
historic commission standards for solar permits issued by the commission. The general
permit standards apply to permits issued by counties and to permits issued by the commission
for large energy facilities powered by solar energy generating systems. The commission or
a county may grant a variance from a general permit standard if the variance is found to be
in the public interest.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commission and the commissioner of commerce must provide technical assistance
to a county with respect to the processing of site permit applications for large energy facilities
powered by solar energy generating systems.
new text end

new text begin (e) This section does not apply to construction of solar energy generating systems that
are intended solely for private use.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end