Solar Energy

Chapter 16.65 of the zoning code addresses solar access. The code protects solar access by refusing to grant a building permit if the structure will penetrate the solar envelope for the parcel on which it is located (Sec. 16.65.010). The building department can also require the applicant to provide an appropriate survey to define the solar envelope of the parcel and states that two or more residential units that are connect shall be contained within the same solar envelope (Sec. 16.65.020, Sec. 16.65.030). Variances can be granted if the owner of the protected property conveys to the owner the right to penetrate the solar envelope (Sec. 16.65.40).