Solar Energy

The county addresses solar access in its subdivision regulations, including "solar access" and "solar height restriction" in its definitions section (Sec. 16.12.020).

The design standards chapter notes that street layout should be oriented on an east/west axis to the greatest amount possible to ensure solar access for lots within the subdivision (Sec. 16.40.020.J).

The regulations also include a chapter on solar access protection to ensure that subdivisions are designed to create as much solar collector access as possible to residential lot configurations and proposed building sites (Sec. 16.48.010). The code lists a number of minimum standards to allow maximum "solar heating hours" exposure, including orientation of access roads, lot orientation and dimensions, solar setbacks for structures and vegetation, and it addresses solar access performance (Sec. 16.48.020).