Solar Energy

One of the purposes of the ordinance is to provide for energy-efficient patterns of development and the use of solar and other renewable forms of energy and energy conservation (Sec. 1.B.7).

Approval criteria for site plans include the consideration of passive solar and energy conservation techniques in the design of structures, structure orientation, street and lot layout, placement of vegetation, use of natural and manmade topographical features and protection of solar access within a development (Sec. 5.A.6.h).

Where Planning and Zoning Commission approval is required for land use activity, applicants shall demonstrate that their proposal has considered the utilization of the physical environment and natural energy sources, such as solar orientation, to help heat, cool or illuminate the proposed use and accordingly minimize a dependence on fossil fuels and mechanical equipment and evaluate potential impacts on neighboring properties (Sec. 6.B.n).

Landscape plans should pay particular attention to parking and loading areas, outside storage areas and shadow patterns with respect to south wall and rooftop solar access (Sec. 6.B.q).

The ordinance waives maximum height requirements for solar collectors (Sec. 8.B.8). In several design districts, the distance required between structures and courtyard requirements are determined after considering effects on solar access (e.g., Sec. 10.A.5e and 5h2).

The ordinance requires building and site design/architectural plans for elderly housing to utilize solar orientation wherever possible (Sec. 10.K.9) and, in general, for buildings to be sited and designed to promote energy conservation (Sec. 10.R.k).