solar energy

The Community Design Element of the city's General Plan includes a Mechanical and Utility Equipment policy stating that solar equipment need not be screened but must be as unobtrusive as possible (CD-2.20.4). The Open Space and Conservation Element sets an Energy and Water Conservation goal to develop a program to make full use of local sustainable resources, including solar and wind energy (Goal OSC-4). Associated policies include: establishing an energy education to increase public awareness of alternative energy sources such as solar energy (OSC-4.3); encouraging the use of passive solar techniques in all new commercial and industrial construction (OSC-4.11); and continuously monitoring and assessing active and passive solar energy systems in all new construction (OSC-4.13). Associated implementation measures include developing a library of solar energy references for residents (3.0), adopting regulations requiring new development to provide solar access plans (6.0), and encouraging the incorporation of alternative energy features in new public buildings (7.0).