Solar Energy

The Unified Land Development Code states that the P&Z Advisory Board and City Commission shall consider whether a proposed change will reduce solar access to adjacent areas when considering a rezoning request (Sec 1-12.j).

The size, shape, and orientation of earthmoving and associated activities shall be designed to logically relate to solar orientation (Sec. 14-7).

The selection and placement of landscaping materials should consider the effect on existing or future solar access, of enhancing the use of solar radiation and of conserving the maximum amount of energy (Sec 21-4 B.10).

The size, shape and orientation of a lot and the orientation of buildings shall be designed to provide development logically related to solar orientation (Sec. 37-10).

In all structures with an alternative power source, such as solar or generator, a sign shall be placed at the electric meter identifying the alternative source, and its location (Sec. 60-15).

The ordinance defines solar access and solar orientation (Sec. 61-3).

Tree Preservation and the Urban Forest 

The city’s tree protection code establishes tree preservation, planting, and maintenance requirements for public and private property (§45). It addresses tree removal permit requirements and exemptions, tree canopy development standards, administrative variances, tree protection during development, tree replacement and mitigation, heritage and champion trees, the establishment of a tree fund, enforcement and appeals, emergency tree removal, tree planting incentives, street tree requirements, canopy roadways, and administration.