solar energy

The city's municipal code provides a solar design requirement for new single-family developments, solar balance point standards, and a solar access permit process. It addresses solar energy in a chapter on site design review: one of the design approval criteria listed requires that building and site design maintains solar access for buildings within the site as well as for adjacent properties (§18.100.040.B.7).

Solar panels and other rooftop structures are exempt from building height limitations (§18.150.050).

A chapter of the zoning regulations addresses solar access for new development (Chapter 18.155). It creates a solar design standard applicable to lots in all single-family zones and all single-family detached dwellings. At least 80 percent of lots in a development must be solar-oriented, have a Protected Solar Building Line designated to allow for future solar access, or have habitable structures that are solar oriented and solar accessible (§18.155.020). The municipal code provides for exemptions and adjustments based on slopes, existing shading, and costs, and describes application procedures. A covenant or restriction must be filed for solar lots to bind future purchasers to compliance with shade protection standards.

The municipal code also includes a chapter addressing solar balance points (Chapter 18.160). It applies to all single-family detached structures and zones unless otherwise exempted. Building permit applications require submission of a solar site plan that shows the maximum allowed shade point height, allowed shade on the proposed structure's solar features, and the solar balance point for the structure. The chapter provides formulas and methodologies for calculating maximum permitted shade point height, analysis of allowed shade on solar features, and the solar balance point (§18.160.020).

The municipal code authorizes solar-feature lot owners to apply for solar access permits that protect against shading by future vegetation growth (Chapter 18.165). Permit holders must record the permit, install the solar feature, and maintain vegetation on the site; owners of burdened properties are responsible for keeping vegetation from exceeding the solar access height limit, though existing and solar-friendly vegetation is exempted. The municipal code describes the permit application and review process as well as enforcement procedures (§18.165.020).