Title
Ordinance - Third and Final Reading on an Ordinance Approving Proposed Amendments of Sections 2200.S, 4400.B and 7800.B of Zoning Ordinance to Establish Regulations on Solar Panel Systems (OA#14-006)
Requested Action
To consider the subject Zoning Ordinance amendments
Recommendation
The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on July 20, 2015 and voted 5-0 to recommend approval. Commissioners Hudson and Smithee were absent.
Description/History
First Reading
The proposed regulations are intended to regulate the placement of roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar panel systems on residential and non-residential property and to establish restrictions, setback and screening requirements for these systems. Most of the pertinent regulations are shown on page 2 of the attached ordinance.
Second Reading
Per Council's request, Allen Taylor and I worked on the provisions for deviations on page 4 of the attached ordinance. We recommend staying with a special exception requirement rather than requiring a variance. We also recommend more specific and relevant conditions like the ones shown in blue and ask Council to provide directions on what percentage to use in the highlighted space.
Third Reading
The attached ordinance was revised to incorporate changes from the last meeting:
- Solar panel system shall provide roof access, pathways and spacing required by the Fire Code and at least one foot from the edge of roof ridge, hip, valley, or eave
- Alternate location energy production comparison will be done with solar panels that would be facing directions of optimal energy production (in the azimuth between 90 and 270 degrees)
- Exemption on 2 acre or larger tracts with a 300’ setback requirement for solar panels
- Exemption on innovative solar panel systems integrated into the building and reasonable indistinguishable from traditional building materials
September 14, 2015 - Staff handed out a new attachment at this meeting which is a modification of p...
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