Solar energy

The Sustainable Community chapter of the city's General Plan notes that green building design that takes advantage of solar power can help reduce energy demands (p. 28). It sets a goal of energy generation from renewable sources (Goal SC-3) that encourages incorporation of active and passive energy in new development and remodels (SC-3.1), transitioning city and other semi-public and large energy uses to solar and wind energy sources (SC-3.4), requiring solar energy generation and transmission equipment in master-planned commercial and industrial developments (SC-3.7), requiring passive energy conservation design for local buildings (SC-3.8), and promoting voluntary incentive programs for solar PV (SC-3.9). The Community Development chapter of the plan touches on solar energy, calling for a Local Coastal Program for a beach wetland area that prohibits energy facilities other than solar panels and wind turbines (CD-21.2). The Infrastructure and Community Services chapter of the plan includes goals calling for the incorporation of solar and other renewable energy sources into local electric generation facilities (ICS-17.1) and encouraging the use of renewables such as solar instead of new or expanded fossil-fuel-based generation facilities (ICS-17.3).