Table of Contents

Built Environment and Health

The city’s zoning code includes Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) standards (Title 19, Division VI). Regulations cover building height, building types, parking, and sign and open space standards.

Green Stormwater Infrastructure

The city’s code of ordinances requires the use of green infrastructure tactics for projects that create, replace, or increase coverage of on-site impervious surfaces of certain sizes and the use of low-impact development (LID) tactics for all projects. It specifies that projects that create or replace between 2,500 and 5,000 square feet of impervious surface are required to use one or more tactics including porous pavement, green roofs, and rain barrels (§15.50.080.A). The code of ordinances also requires all projects to implement LID standards including site assessment of sensitive areas, limiting impervious coverage, tree preservation, and set backs from natural water features (§15.50.080.D).

Environmentally Sensitive Areas

The city’s zoning code includes a primary open space district that permanently protects open spaces containing environmental resources or potential hazards. This designation may contain sensitive areas like oak and riparian woodlands, wetlands, creek ways, riparian corridors, and areas subject to flooding (§19.50.010).

solar energy

The zoning code permits accessory rooftop solar collectors in compliance with standards in all zoning districts without zoning approval (Sec. 19.01.050.A.2.h).

The code permits solar power equipment to be placed on historic structures without Certificate of Appropriateness if it is out of public view or does not diminish historic character (Sec. 19.37.120.A.9).

The code's solar energy development standards address aesthetic issues such as placement in least visible location, screening and color coordination of equipment, and flush rooftop panel installation (Sec. 19.60.100).