To: Zoning Administrator
From: Planning and Building Department
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Socha Variance for Solar Panel Array
Assessor Parcel Number: 202-231-023
Record Number: PLN-2025-19243
Fortuna Area
A Variance is requested to reduce the front and side yard setbacks on a 4.1-acre parcel to accommodate a ground-mounted photovoltaic solar array to support an existing residence. The proposed array will be located approximately ten (10) feet from Mill Street right-of-way setback, and approximately ten (10) feet from the westerly (side) property line. The Humboldt County Code requires front yard setbacks to be 20 feet and side yard setbacks to be 30 feet in the Agriculture General (AG) zone districts with a B Combining zone (special building site) on properties over 2.5-acres. The Variance is requested to place the approximately 52-foot by 10-foot solar array in an area providing the most solar gain without having to remove legacy orchard trees and is otherwise undevelopable due to slope. The parcel is currently developed with an approximately 2,300 square foot single-family residence and served with municipal water and an on-site wastewater treatment system.
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Zoning Administrator:
1. Adopt the resolution (Attachment 1), which does the following:
a. Makes all of the required findings for approval of the Variance based on evidence in the staff report and public testimony; and
b. Approves the Socha Variance as recommended by staff and subject to the conditions of approval (Attachment 1A).
Body
DISCUSSION:
Project Location:
The project site is located in the Fortuna area, on both sides of Mill Street, approximately 700 feet northeast of the intersection of Mill Street and County Club Estates Road, on the property known as 4929 Mill Street.
Present General Plan Land Use Designations:
RA5-20 (Residential Agricultural). Density range: 5-160 acres per unit. Slope Stability: Moder...
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