Table of Contents

Solar Energy

The city's zoning code defines "active solar equipment" (§12-2-2).

As part of the development review process, site and architectural design guidelines address sustainability, recommending that renewable energy solutions such as solar be considered and used when feasible to reduce energy costs and fossil fuel dependence (§12-7-8.H).

Active solar equipment is permitted as an accessory use in all zoning and special districts (§12-8-3, §12-15-5).

The code also includes a chapter on solar energy access that describes the requirements and processes for obtaining solar easements (§12-21-1). It establishes a solar access regulatory board that may grant easements upon application following a public hearing. The code describes application requirements and the decision-making process. The board may refuse to grant the easement if trees must be removed or the adjacent property owner has already made a substantial financial commitment to build a structure that would shade the system. The board will determine fair compensation to be paid by the applicant to affected property owners based on any change in market value due to the easement. The easement may be removed if the solar collector is not installed in two years or is inoperable or removed for more than one year.

Wind Energy

The city’s zoning code permits accessory wind energy systems in all zoning districts, subject to use-specific standards (§12-17).

It defines commercial, dispersed (i.e., medium-sized accessory), and small (i.e., small-size accessory) wind energy conversion systems (WECS) (§12-2-2).

It prohibits all commercial (i.e., primary use) WECS.

It permits dispersed WECS with a discretionary use permit and small WECS by right.

Use-specific standards address minimum lot size, maximum tower height, setbacks, site location, design and technical standards, and application requirements.