Solar Energy

The city's development code provides standards and permissions for small-, medium-, and large-scale solar energy systems; solar-related features are included in the city's menu of sustainable site design options. All renewable energy definitions are gathered into a renewable energy-related definitions section, which includes definitions for photovoltaic panel, solar electric system, solar reflective index, and solar water heating system (§3.0140).

The development code describes characteristics, example uses, and accessory uses for solar energy systems (§3.0281). It provides solar energy system standards for residential districts (§4.0140). Small-scale systems are permitted by right in low-density residential districts; in medium-density residential districts, small- and medium-scale systems are permitted by right, while large-scale systems are permitted with special use review. Rooftop, flatroof, integrated, and ground-mounted systems are permitted in all residential districts. Standards address height limits and setbacks.

The development code also provides standards for solar energy systems in commercial districts (§4.0232) and corridor districts (§4.0442). Small- and medium scale systems are permitted, and large-scale systems are allowed with a special use review; standards address height limitations and setbacks. Similar standards are set for Downtown districts (§4.1134), Civic Neighborhood districts (§4.1250), and other special districts (§4.1487, §4.1595). It also addresses solar energy systems in industrial districts (§4.0032). Small, medium, and large-scale systems are permitted; standards address height limits and setbacks.

Renewable energy systems are exempted from design review but must comply with certain mechanical equipment placement and screening standards (§7.0002.D.5).

The city's sustainable site design standards provide a menu of energy conservation options, one of which is including rooftop solar energy panels providing at least 10 percent of building energy usage (§7.0103.A.2.D.1.d). Similar options are included in sustainable site and building design standards for certain specified design districts (§7.0503.1.C.1.d.4.b, §7.0603.C.1.D.3).

It establishes special use review conditions for solar energy systems allowed through a Type II Special Use Review that restrict placement in historic districts to prevent visual impacts (§8.0123).

Solar energy systems may project into required yards (§9.0910.A.7) and above maximum building height (§9.0910.B.1).

A separate section describes the characteristics of small-, medium-, and large-scale solar energy systems (§10.0910), and a table summarizes relevant decision-making authorities for permitting these systems (Table 11.0204).