Faribault Planning Commission Supports Multifamily Housing and Solar Energy Projects

In a recent meeting, the Faribault Planning Commission approved two conditional use permits, one for a multifamily housing project by the Community Action Center on First Avenue and First Street and another for a ground-mounted solar array on St. Paul Avenue. Both projects will proceed to the City Council for final approval.

The commission discussed a conditional use permit application for a multifamily housing development proposed by the Community Action Center. The project, located north of Buckham Library, involves constructing two four-unit buildings. Each building will include accessible units, contributing to the area’s residential diversity. A commission member noted the development’s potential to enhance downtown vibrancy and maintain the character of the area. After evaluating the project’s compliance with zoning requirements and its anticipated impact, the commission recommended its approval to the City Council.

The second conditional use permit application concerned a ground-mounted solar array by resident Tomas Barley on St. Paul Avenue. The proposed site, surrounded by a mix of residential and agricultural properties, was discussed for its compliance with zoning ordinances. The solar array’s height was modified to meet a 10-foot maximum height requirement, following initial plans that exceeded this limit. The commission considered the area’s open space and the potential for future residential development, ultimately determining that the project met necessary criteria. The commission also noted the benefits of allowing slightly higher structures to support pollinator-friendly plantings, prompting suggestions to revisit height limitations in future discussions.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:

is discussed during:
in these locations: