Item 7B - Attachment B - SPIN Report
SPIN MEETING REPORT
SPIN Item Number: SPIN2021-02
City Case Number: NA
Project Name: City of Southlake zoning Ordinance Amendment for Solar Energy
Systems
SPIN Neighborhood: Citywide
Meeting Date: January 12, 2021
Meeting Location: Virtual
Total Attendance: Virtual
Host: Sherry Berman, Community Engagement Committee
Applicant(s) Presenting: Ken Baker, Senior Director of Planning and Development Services,
email: kbaker@ci.southlake.tx.us; phone: 817-748-8067
City Staff Present: Jerod Potts, Policy & Strategic Initiative Principal Planner
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“View” “Video on Demand” – forums are listed under SPIN by meeting date.
FORUM SUMMARY:
Property Situation:
Citywide
Development Details:
The City will consider proposed amendments to the City of Southlake Zoning Ordinance No. 480, as
amended, pertaining to residential solar panels (Specific Use Permit Section). The City of Southlake
currently requires a Specific Use Permit (SUP) approval for the installation of solar energy systems
(solar photovoltaic - PV) installations for both commercial and residential properties.
The current SUP regulations:
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Ground Mounted Systems:
a. Front Yard: No system shall be located forward of the principal building on the lot.
b. Side and Rear: No system shall be located less than ten (10) feet from any side or rear
property line.
Roof Mounted Systems:
a. Height: No system shall be installed greater than six (6) inches between the panel and roof.
NON-RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Ground Mounted Systems:
a. Front Yard: No system shall be located forward of the front most building on the lot.
b. Side and Rear: No system shall be located less than the required building setback as required
by the underlying zoning district.
The City of Southlake’s Sustainability Master Plan is the basis for the zoning amendment which
identifies policies that encourage private investment in alternative energy technologies. The price of
solar energy systems has declined in recent years, with the average installed cost for residential solar
photovoltaics (PV) dropping significantly. Most of this decline has come from falling equipment prices,
with the non-equipment costs, also known as soft costs, remaining fairly consistent.
Amendment options for consideration:
1. Residential zoning districts would allow solar energy systems on flat roof structures placed on
a permanent foundation with approved site analysis for visibility from roadway right-of -way
and a total solar array less than 600 square feet.
2. Residential zoning districts would allow solar energy systems installed on flat roof structures
that are an extension or attached (patio extension) to the main house be approved
administratively if the following criteria is met with an approved site analysis for visibility from
roadway right-of -way and a total solar array less than 600 square feet.
3. Non-residential zoning districts would allow solar energy systems installed on flat roof
structures to be approved administratively if the following criteria is met; a line of site analysis
demonstrates that the system is not visible from any roadway right of way or any adjacent
residential zoned or land use plan property.
4. Residential zoning districts would allow solar energy systems installed on the residential roof
structures to be approved administratively if the following criteria are met: a line of site analysis
demonstrates that the system is not visible from any roadway right of way; the total solar array
is less than 600 square feet; and the property owner submits a standardized acknowledgement
form from all adjacent residential property owners acknowledging that they are aware of the
scope of the project and are not opposed. If forms are not received from the adjacent property
owners than a SUP permit is required to be processed and approve.
5. Residential zoning districts would allow solar energy systems installed on the residential roof
structures to be approved administratively if the following criteria is met ; a line of site analysis
demonstrates that the system is not visible from any roadway right of way and the total solar
array is less than 600 square feet.
6. Residential or Non-residential zoning districts would consider solar shingles for a solar
energy system unless the system cannot be differentiated from a typical roofing shingle.
Proposed Ordinance 480-DDDDD:
January 21, 2021: Planning and Zoning Commission meeting - Public Hearing
February 2, 2021: City Council meeting – 1st Reading
February 16, 2021 – City Council meeting – 2nd Reading – Public Hearing
Presentation:
Questions and Concerns:
1. Are these items you are proposing to go to vote or are these items in place now?
These are proposed items for consideration through the Planning and Zoning Commission
and City Council.
2. How long does it take to apply and receive approval for the Specific Use Permit? And
how much does it cost?
The average time from application submittal to approval will take typically 2½ to 3 months
and costs $55. The permitting cost for the electrical permit is $100.
3. Do you consult with solar companies to whether the installation of 600 sq. ft. is
adequate for determining the cost offset for the solar panel installation.
You may comment on this item at the meetings. We based this square foot number on the
previously submitted applications we have received to date.
4. What is the timeline for the ordinance to pass?
The schedule is to present it to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a public hearing
and a recommendation. The recommendation is sent to the City Council for the 1st reading
and then moved to the following City Council meeting for a 2nd reading and public hearing.
January 21, 2021: Planning and Zoning Commission meeting - Public Hearing
February 2, 2021: City Council meeting – 1st Reading
February 16, 2021 – City Council meeting – 2nd Reading – Public Hearing
SPIN Meeting Reports are general observations of SPIN Meetings by City staff and SPIN Representatives. The report is neither verbatim nor official meeting
minutes; rather it serves to inform elected and appointed officials, City staff, and the public of the issues and questions raised by residents and the ge neral
responses made. Responses as summarized in this report should not be taken as guarantees by the applicant. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to
follow the case through the Planning and Zoning Commission and final action by City Council.
Southlake Connect Results for the January 12, 2021 SPIN Town Hall Forum