Table of Contents

Food Systems

The Natural Systems & Agriculture Element of this county's comprehensive plan establishes understanding and protection of the environment and agriculture as a fundamental component of the plan. Section 2.10, Agriculture and Food, focuses on the county's agricultural ecosystems and establishes goals, policies, and a wide range of implementing programs around preservation of agricultural land and resources, improved agricultural viability, and community food security.

Solar Energy

In the Countywide Plan, Policy DES-3.a calls for inclusion of solar access in the design review process for new and remodeled homes.

The plan discusses green building practices that includes better siting and design that take advantage of passive solar and renewable energy. It discusses the benefits of green buildings which include reduced energy costs.

The Built Environment Element discusses growth in the amount of solar electric installations in the county since 2000.

The plan lists what is involved in CDA's Energy Efficiency and Green Building program and Sustainability Programs, which includes installing a solar system that meets 75% of a project's energy needs, solar incentives, and technical assistance. 

The Built Environment Element includes policies such as protection of renewable resources (Policy EN-2.b), protection of solar access (Policy EN-2.c), using renewable energy in county facilities (Policy EN-2.f), employing renewable energy technologies in new and rehabilitated housing (Policy HS-2.5), and conserving resources such as solar orientation of streets and structures (Policy SV-3.5).

Photovoltaics, renewable energy, solar, solar access, and active and passive solar systems are defined in the plan's glossary (p. 5-21).