Table of Contents

Green Building

The city’s zoning ordinance establishes the procedures of compliance for a Sustainable Design Project. The purpose of this option is to encourage redevelopment and reuse, conserve natural resources, reduce energy usage, and foster transit-oriented development (§12.01.A). 

Solar Energy

The city's zoning ordinance defines active and passive solar energy devices, as well as solar access easements and other related terms (§2.02). Solar panels and other rooftop devices may exceed height limits by 10 feet (§7.08.A.1).

The ordinance addresses solar structures and easements, allowing them by right in all zoning districts, subject to administrative approval. Solar energy devices that project into front or side yards are subject to site plan review (§12.05.A). Solar energy structures shall not exceed a height of 40 feet (§12.05.B). This section also stipulates that landowners may protect solar skyspace through a solar easement recorded with the Building Department (§12.05.C).

Wind Energy

The city’s zoning code defines and regulates accessory and primary-use wind energy systems.

It permit accessory wind energy systems by right in all zoning districts, subject to use-specific standards (§12.04.C). It permits primary-use wind energy systems with a discretionary use permit in all zoning districts, subject to use-specific standards (§12.04.D).

Standards for all wind energy systems address setbacks, noise, height, lighting, construction and interconnection codes, safety, and decommissioning (§12.04.F & §12.04.G).

Additional standards for primary-use wind energy systems address warnings, signage, insurance, security, visual appearance, threatened and endangered species, annual inspection, noise, shadow flicker, and removal §12.04.H).

It defines “on-site wind energy conversion,” “commercial wind energy conversion,” “horizontal-axis wind energy conversion systems,” and “vertical-axis wind energy conversion systems” (§2.02).

Zoning Reform and Code Writing

The city adopted a new zoning code in 2011. It includes a mix of use-based and form-based zoning standards. It also includes a mix of form-based and conventional zoning districts. It defines and regulates uses based on broad categories, with select specific use types, and includes use-specific standards to minimize reliance on discretionary use permits. It is richly illustrated and uses tables to organize use permissions and dimensional standards.

Its purpose statements address regulating growth to support economic vitality and sustainability; protecting the character and stability of residential neighborhoods; regulating the intensity and form of land development; promoting the wise use and conservation of energy and natural resources; improving the appearance and design quality of development; preventing an unreasonable burden on public facilities and services; lessening traffic congestion; conserving property values (§1.03).