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The city’s municipal code establishes an environmentally sensitive area overlay with the goal of protecting and preserving natural resources. It includes information on designation of environmentally sensitive areas, authorizes studies by city departments to determine environmental sensitivity, procedures for site development, and enforcement of the ordinance (§29.1103).

Solar Energy

The city's municipal code provides definitions for several types of solar energy systems (§29.201.205-210), as well as a use classification for Solar Energy Conversion (Table 29.501.4-7).

The municipal code allows solar energy conversion as an accessory use by right in all zoning districts subject to standards, though a Solar Energy System Zoning Permit is required (§29.1309). Standards for free-standing systems cover setbacks, location, height, and size limitations (§29.1309.3); attached system standards limit height and extensions into setbacks or easements (§29.1309.4 and 5). A solar special use permit is required for front wall mounts. Systems less than 4 square feet in size are exempt from zoning permit requirements (§29.1309.6). Owners are responsible for negotiating any solar access easements with other property owners (§29.1309.8). A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for solar energy systems within historic districts (§29.1309.9). Commercial solar systems are not permitted in the city (§29.1309.18).

In Historic Preservation districts, elements of solar design and solar energy systems must be located away from the street and flush to the roof (§31.13.11).