Solar Energy

The city's land development code provides for two types of solar access permits and establishes a solar design requirement for new subdivisions and planned developments; historic preservation regulations provide for the installation of solar panels on historic resources. It provides definitions for 11 solar-related terms (§1.6.30). Subdivision plats must include information on solar access obstructions, designated solar lots, and solar envelopes (§2.4.30.01.f.6.b.13-18).

The land development code's historic preservation provisions provide for approval of solar installation on roof surfaces according to standards (§2.9.100.03.a).

The land development code includes a chapter on solar access permits, which provides for 2 types of permits protecting solar access for solar energy systems, focusing on trees, and provides detailed regulations for the two permit types (Chapter 2.18).

The land development code also includes a chapter on solar access intended to protect solar access for lots in new residential subdivisions and planned developments. It requires 80 percent of lots in new subdivisions and buildings in new PDs to be designed and oriented for use of solar energy as specified. It also allows for exemptions and adjustments or reductions to implementation (Chapter 4.6).