Solar Energy

The city's municipal code establishes a solar access permit that protects solar rights for installed solar collectors. It defines a number of systems and architectural features that are considered solar collectors (§15.52.020). A solar access permit is required to establish a solar right for solar collectors (§15.52.030). The code describes the permit application requirements (§15.52.050) as well as the decision making and recording processes (§15.52.060). To prevent undue hardship on neighboring property owners, solar rights are restricted based on a hypothetical 10-foot wall at the property line, as well as by time of day, and preexisting structures or vegetation are exempted from the regulations (§15.52.080).