Table of Contents

Climate Change

The city’s codified ordinances contain regulations that address the impacts of climate change. Its building construction code includes provisions to promote and encourage the use of electric vehicles (EV), which is consistent with the city’s climate action plan goals (§23.22). And its zoning code offers a range of parking options that support multimodal transit alternatives as recommended in the climate action plan (§30.80).

Solar Energy

The city's municipal code requires solar space heating and pool heating systems for new construction and retrofits and it establishes solar access rights. The "Solar energy Ordinance" requires new construction and retrofits to use solar space heating and pool heating systems (§23.20.040). If installed system is subsequently shaded by vegetation on adjacent lot, owner may petition City Council for foliage abatement as public nuisance (§23.20.100). Exemptions may be obtained if solar access is "excessively limited" (§23.20.140).

The "Trees, Scenic Views and Sunlight" chapter establishes right to solar access and provides procedure by which solar energy system owners can restore access to sunlight blocked by neighboring vegetation through appropriate Restorative Actions (Chapter 23.51).

The zoning code provides exceptions from height limits and yard requirements for solar equipment with design review board approval (§30.86.110.B, §30.86.200.M.5).