Table of Contents

solar energy

Chapter 15 of the city's zoning ordinance includes regulations for small wind and solar renewable energy systems. The ordinance defines renewable energy systems and several types of solar energy systems: building integrated, building-mounted, and ground-mounted (Sec. 6-15-2). Renewable energy systems must be accessory uses; building permits are required for installation (Sec. 6-15-3). Building-integrated solar energy systems may be authorized administratively in all zoning districts subject to height and location requirements. Building-mounted solar energy systems may be authorized administratively in all districts subject to requirements and approval by department directors. A ground-mounted solar energy system may be authorized administratively in business districts, but requires a conditional use permit in residential, institutional, utilities, or nonresidential districts (Sec. 6-15-5.1). Section 6-15-6 lays out standards for the City Council to use for granting a conditional use permit. The ordinance also establishes maintenance and removal requirements for renewable energy systems (Sec.6-15-7).

Food Systems | Urban Livestock

The city's animal control ordinance was amended in 2012 to address fowl and livestock (§10-4-6). A permit is required for constructing animal enclosures. Fowl and livestock may be kept in any area in the city except where prohibited by the zoning ordinance. The ordinance limits the number of fowl to 8 per property; roosters are prohibited. Standards establish enclosure setbacks, sanitation/waste disposal, rodent-proofing feed, and screening.

The animal control ordinance also addresses beekeeping, which is allowed in all districts except R2 through R5 (§10-4-7). The ordinance provides definitions; standards address location, setbacks, hive limits; state registration is required.