Table of Contents

Green Building

The city’s municipal code outlines several sustainable building requirements. These requirements cover heat island mitigation, plumbing fixtures and fittings, and diversion of building materials from landfills (Chapter 16.40).

Solar Energy

The city's land-use code permits accessory solar energy systems by right in all but one zoning district (Sec. 18.06.130), subject to locational standards, compliance with building and electrical codes, and evidence of utility notification (Sec. 18.07.137).

This code also provides a limited exception to height limits for roof-mounted solar energy systems (Sec. 18.07.060.B.4) and authorizes exceptions to tree preservation requirements in cases where trees block solar access (Sec. 18.12.1380.B.3(2)).

Food Systems | Urban Livestock

The city's land use code addresses the keeping of animals in residential districts (§18.07.140).  Standards are based on lot size and address setbacks and animal limits: chickens, rabbits, ducks, and squab are allowed on lots of 6,000–35,000 SF, and lots greater than 35,000 SF may also host horses or llamas, cattle or mules, and other animals (sheep, goats, turkeys, or geese) at varying densities. The code also provides general standards for all animal-keeping that address allowable numbers and prohibit trespass of animals on others' properties (§18.07.150).

The city's land use code also addresses honey bees (§18.07.160). The code lists allowable numbers of hives based on parcel size, with a minimum parcel size of 6,000 SF, and addresses hive placement, management, and nuisance standards. Hives must be registered with the agriculture department.