Solar Energy

The city's land use regulations address accessory rooftop solar collectors in considerations for conditional use and site plan review for renewable energy. It notes that accessory rooftop solar collectors require a zoning permit if they exceed 5' in height above the district height limit or the highest roof surface (§3.5.B).

For conditional use review, the Board will consider whether the proposed development will interfere with sustainable use of renewable energy resources by limiting future availability on the site or interfering with neighboring property access to resources such as solar energy; conditions may be imposed to ensure access and availability to renewable energy resources (§5.4.C.5). For site plan review, buildings may be oriented to allow for solar orientation (§5.5.E.2). Planned unit development (PUD) proposals must demonstrate the extent to which they protect and use renewable energy resources, such as through developing south-facing slopes or enabling solar access to future buildings (§8.5.B.11).

The land use regulations provide for granting a renewable energy variance if four listed findings are found in the affirmative (§9.7.B).