Solar Energy

The city's development code includes a section on solar energy that establishes solar energy collectors as a permitted use in all zones, allows solar collectors to be elevated up to 1 foot above the ridgeline of a structure in R1, R2, and R3 districts, and prohibits chimneys and other rooftop appurtenances from restricting or impairing solar access to buildings or collector locations (§16.310.080). The code's general uses section also establishes solar PV or thermal energy systems as outright permitted uses in any zoning district, and specifies that permit approval is a ministerial decision if installation does not increase the structure's footprint and is parallel to the slope of the roof; otherwise, site development review procedures must be followed, though these provisions do not apply if the structure is in a historic, conservation, or scenic landmark district (§16.203.110.I).