Item 6C - Solar Energy Ordinance PresentationItem 6C -Ordinance Amendment –
Solar Energy Systems
February 16, 2021
Specific Use Permit
Residential roof system Non-residential roof system
Ground mounted system
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.
Sustainability Plan
Basis for the Zoning Amendment
Cost Reduction and Increased Efficiency
Below is a list of recent solar energy system approvals the past 3 years:
Solar Energy SUP Cases (Approved)
2021-2 cases
2020 -5 cases 2015 -0 cases
2019 -5 cases 2014 -0 cases
2018 -2 cases 2013 -1 case
2017 -0 cases 2012 -1 case
2016 -2 cases 2011 -0 cases
2010 -1 case
History
Residential Zoning Districts -Allow solar energy systems installed on flat roof structures
accessory buildings placed on a permanent foundation (i.e.patios, gazebos) to be
approved administratively if the following criteria is met:
1) A line of site analysis demonstrates that the system is not visible from any public or
private roadway/right of way.
2) The total solar array is less than 600 square feet (cumulative).
Possible Amendment #1
Residential Zoning Districts -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:
1) A line of site analysis demonstrates that the system is not visible from any public or
private roadway/right of way.
2) The total solar array is less than 600 square feet (cumulative).
Possible Amendment #2
Non-Residential Zoning Districts -Allow solar energy systems installed on flat roof
structures to be approved administratively if the following criteria is met:
1) A line of site analysis demonstrates that the system is not visible from any public or
private roadway/right of way or any residential zoned or residentially land use plan
property within 300 feet of the structure.
Possible Amendment #3
Possible Amendment #4
Residential Zoning Districts -Allow solar energy systems installed on the residential roof structures to be
approved administratively if the following criteria is met:
1) A line of site analysis demonstrates that the system is not visible from any public or private roadway /right of
way.
2) The total solar array is less than 600 square feet (cumulative).
3) 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.
Possible Amendment #5
Residential Zoning Districts -Allow solar energy systems installed on the residential roof
structures to be approved administratively if the following criteria is met:
1) A line of site analysis demonstrates that the system is not visible from any public or private
roadway /right of way.
2) The total solar array is less than 600 square feet (cumulative).
Possible Amendment #6
Solar shingles –consider a solar energy system
unless the system can not be differentiated from
a typical roofing shingle
(Not Acceptable ) (Acceptable)
Accessory Use –Section 34
Specific Use Permit –Section 45
Web Site Information
Actions
Planning and Zoning Commission:
January 21,2021;Approved (4-0)allowing amendments 1,2,3,5 and 6.
City Council Action:
February 2, 2021; Approved 1st reading (7-0) subject to the Staff Report dated
January 26, 2021 as presented noting the approval is for amendments 1, 2, 3,
5 and 6 as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Questions?