Solar Energy

The city's unified development code provides standards for accessory solar energy systems and provides for solar easements to protect solar access to installed systems. It defines several solar-related terms (§1-120).

The unified development code provides standards for solar energy systems as accessory uses, allowing them in all zoning districts (§6-230.G). Systems of less than 4 SF are exempt from standards; larger systems must comply with standards, though systems larger than 120 SF require a conditional use permit. The code provides separate standards for roof-mounted and ground-mounted systems regarding height and placement. Solar energy system owners are responsible for negotiating with other property owners for any necessary solar easements; if no easement is recorded, the system owner has no right to contest future development or vegetation that shades the system. Systems inoperable for 12 continuous months are deemed abandoned and a public nuisance, and must be removed within 30 days of notice.

The unified development code also provides that inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems may be considered as a practical difficulty in the granting of variances (§2-420).