Solar Energy

In the town's building code, the solar rights declaration ordinance states that new structures or landscaping may not block the solar access of an existing solar energy collection system (Sec. 15.16.010). The town's zoning code incorporates this ordinance by reference (Sec. 16.20.010.3). In the town's design standards for commercial and industrial large-scale development, solar features are encouraged and should be incorporated into both Pueblo/Spanish Revival and Pitched Roof Territorial Revival styles (Sec. 16.20.030.G.5, H.7). Impacts on solar access are considered when evaluating requests for exceptions to height limitations (Sec. 16.20.030.3). In historic districts, for noncontributing properties, residential construction in the style of Pueblo/ Spanish Revival should be arranged to cast shadows and emphasize contrasting light without compromising a building owners' solar rights; solar energy collecting and conserving features may be used and should be integrated into building design; glass areas on south elevations is limited to 75% of the total wall surface (Sec. 16.16.220.8.D.2, D.6).