Small Wireless Facilities and Wireless Facilities in the ROW

Solar Energy

Small Wireless Facilities and Wireless Facilities in the ROW

The city's development code addresses wireless telecommunications facilities, including wireless telecommunication facilities in the public rights-of-way (§18-829). Wireless telecommunications antenna installation is permitted in public rights-of-way regardless of zoning district, subject to general application criteria (§18-825) and design standards that require camouflage or stealth design (§18-826). Facilities must be installed on existing structures or, with approval, new structures that resemble existing structures and use stealth design.

Solar Energy

The city's Development Code defines (Sec. 18-901) and permits accessory solar collectors in all districts (Sec.18-160), provided they are not located in the front yard, are not used as commercial enterprises, and receive approval from local utility company (Sec. 18-170). Solar panels are exempt from rooftop screening materials in the Employment Center District (Sec. 18-96). For single-family, duplex, and townhouse development, solar panel frames and other rooftop equipment must be finished to match or blend with the roof surface (Sec. 18-470.3.e; Sec. 18-471.1.j). The Development Code requires that commercial developments greater than 5 acres meet energy conservation design standards, which include siting and design to maximize the use of solar gain and PV activity, (Sec. 18-493.i) and exempts solar panels from rooftop screening requirements (Sec.18-493.e.7).