Solar Energy

The city's zoning ordinance defines collector surface, impermissible interference, and solar collector (Sec. 17.04). One of the duties of the Planning Commission is to conduct public hearings for Solar Access Permits if requested and approve permits (Sec. 17.06.3.D). Section 17.28 of the Zoning Ordinance deals with Solar Access. Any owner who installs or intends to install a solar collector may apply to the Zoning Commissioner for a solar access permit (Sec. 17.28.2). Once a satisfactory application is received the applicant must notify any property owners that the applicant proposes to be restricted of the application for a solar access permit. Any person receiving a notice has 30 days to request a hearing. The ordinance details when the Plan Commission shall grant a permit and how to record the permit. It also details remedies for impermissible interference, appeals, and termination of solar rights (Sec.17.28.3).