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Model Sustainable Development Ordinances2 <br />Solar Energy Standards <br />Components of a solar standards ordinance <br />Solar energy standards should consider the following elements: <br />• Remove regulatory barriers and create a clear regulatory path to approving solar energy systems. <br />• Limit aesthetic objections by setting reasonable design standards for solar energy in urban neighborhoods, <br />historic districts, and new subdivisions. <br />• Address solar access issues in subdivisions and zoning districts that allow taller buildings on smaller (urban <br />density) lots. <br />• Encourage solar-ready subdivision and building design. <br />• Incorporate regulatory incentives that can spur private-sector solar investment. <br />Urban and rural communities <br />The model ordinance language addresses concerns that are primarily in cities rather than counties or townships. <br />Issues of solar access and nuisances associated with solar energy systems are generally of little consequence <br />outside urban density areas, where lot sizes are almost always greater than one acre. Counties and townships can <br />address most barriers by simply stating in their development regulations that solar energy systems are an allowed <br />accessory use in all districts. Aesthetic issues or solar access issues might come into play in lakeshore areas or <br />conservation development areas, where homes are closer together or protected trees might limit solar access. <br />The incentive potion of the model ordinance can also be applied in rural areas. However, most of the language <br />in this model ordinance is directed to situations seen in cities. <br />Primary and accessory uses <br />This ordinance addresses solar energy as an accessory use to the primary residential or commercial use in an <br />urban area. Solar energy systems are also sometimes the primary use, on “solar farms” that are large arrays of <br />hundreds or thousands of kilowatts of ground or pole-mounted systems, or in the case of solar thermal power <br />plants, such as seen in the desert southwest. These land uses have different issues and need to be addressed in a <br />substantially different manner than discussed in this model.