Solar Energy

The county's code encourages the use of accessory solar energy systems in all zoning districts and provides solar siting considerations for planned unit development (PUD) proposals. It includes a chapter on sustainable "BuildSmart" amendments, including an Exterior Renewable Energy Mitigation Program (EREMP) requiring that 50% of energy used to run snowmelt or outside pool or spa equipment be subject to an EREMP fee, which may be offset through renewable energy credits from installation of solar PV and hot water systems (§7-6-6).

In the zoning regulations, a chapter encourages the use of active solar systems in homes and businesses (§9-3B-1). The code provides definitions for solar-related terms (§9-3B-2) and permits solar collector systems in all zoning districts subject to standards and approval of a solar permit (§9-3B-3). The code also sets out stricter aesthetic and locational standards for solar collectors in several overlay districts: Mountain, Scenic Highway, FEMA Mapped Floodplain and Floodway, and Wetland and Riparian (§9-3B-4). The code allows for exceptions to lotline setback requirements for ground- or pole-mounted systems (§9-3B-5), and provides information on the administrative permitting process (§9-3B-6).

PUD base district standards may be waived if warranted by superior design elements, including architectural and subdivision design that ensures solar access and encourages use of solar energy (§10-6-6.D.3). Subdivisions must require solar-ready homes (§10-5-4.A.5).