It’s been a busy past two years for solar farms in Sherburne County.

 

After numerous discussions between potential solar farm companies, attorneys, county staff, city and township officials and residents, the first solar farm was approved in early 2016, with four more since then.

 

Tuesday, the Sherburne County Board approved an interim use permit (IUP) another 5 megawatt solar farm for Solar Community on 48.60 acres off Co. Rd. 8 in Haven Twp.

 

Access to the site will align directly opposite 49th Street SE on the west side of Co. Rd. 8.

 

Some of the conditions of the IUP include installation of two staggered rows of 6’ high coniferous trees as a screen around all sides of the property; a 50’ setback from property lines; a 130’ setback from the centerline of Co. Rd. 8.; construction of a 6’ high chain link fence around the perimeter of the project prior to solar panels being installed; 

 

At the March 16 planning commission hearing, Katrina Nygaard of Stantec Construction, the firm hired to handle engineering and planning, said they expect to begin construction this spring or summer, with a two to three month completion date.

 

The board amended an existing IUP from 2016 for CF Novel Solar Gardens Seven LLC to include a name change and minor changes to the construction of the project. The 3.25 megawatt solar farm will be located at 9542 70th Ave. in Clear Lake Twp. on 24.06 acres off Hwy. 24.

 

The board also amended an IUP for Socore Sherburne LLC, including a name change and new conditions for a 5 megawatt solar farm on 40.15 acres at 9038 58th Ave. SE in Clear Lake Twp.

 

The board approved an IUP for Nathan Mueller for an auto mechanical and/or body repair shop on 15.50 acres on 31st St. SE in Haven Twp.

 

Mueller’s company, SWATMOD,  specializes in custom vehicle modifications and upgrades. The company works primarily with police and SWAT vehicles, installing emergency and parameter lighting and other electronic devices.

 

In a letter to the county planning and zoning department, Mueller said he has no immediate plans to build his shop. He is seeking the IUP approval to guarantee he can place his business there.

 

“I am solely focused on getting the IUP in place so I feel confident in purchasing the property to use in the future for my intended purposes,” he said. “If and when this is complete, I will take over the property, clean it up and get it back in order until the time comes to move forward, which could be several months from now.”

 

The board approved a modified Solid Waste Facility License for Vonco II for the operation of a demolition landfill, industrial waste landfill, source separated organic compost facility, demolition waste processing facility and a municipal solid waste transfer station.

 

The board had approved a license modification last Oct. 11 based on the assumption that Vonco II owned the entire property. It was later discovered that Vonco III is the listed as the owner of the 200-acre expansion parcel. The modified license reflects that change.