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<br /> <br /> <br />MEMORANDUM <br /> <br />To: Planning Commission Members <br />From: Kelsey Johnson, AICP, City Planner <br />Date: February 17, 2015 <br /> Planning Commission Work Session for February 23, 2014 <br />WSB Project No. 02170-002 <br />Request: Solar Energy Systems in Residential and Commercial Zoning Districts <br /> <br />OVERVIEW <br />It is beneficial to review sections of the City Code on a regular basis in order to identify potential issues <br />before they are found through a request or land use application. In addition, it ensures that the City <br />Code is reflective of what is desired for the community. At the regular meeting of the Planning <br />Commission on January 26, 2015, the Planning Commission reviewed a list of potential ordinances to <br />review and/or modify and created a “Work Plan”. <br />The Work Plan is a schedule of objectives established by the Planning Commission, which provides an <br />efficient method of prioritizing projects and achieving the most important goals of the Planning <br />Commission and the community. Among potential projects in 2015, the Planning Commission prioritized <br />a list of projects they would like to work on. The City Council, will review the Work Plan at their regular <br />meeting on February 24, 2015, and consider approval of the Work Plan as presented by the Planning <br />Commission. <br />Item #1 on the Planning Commission Work Plan is to “continue review/update green/energy/reuse <br />ordinance(s)”. This item was also on the Planning Commission’s Work Plan from 2014, however was not <br />addressed during the previous year due to other initiatives and land use applications that were worked <br />on during that timeframe. An ordinance to allow solar energy systems was adopted in 2014 to allow <br />systems within the ROS – Recreational/Open Space and LI – Light Industrial Districts. With increased <br />interest in renewable energy by homeowners, more specifically for the installation of solar energy <br />systems, staff has prepared a draft Ordinance relating to Solar Energy Systems, specifically in residential <br />and commercial zoning districts. <br /> <br />The purpose of the amendment is to incorporate more detailed standards governing the installation of <br />solar energy systems. The ordinance is expected to provide clarity and predictability while ensuring that <br />solar energy systems may be installed in a manner that allows for effective energy production. Further, <br />the standards are intended to ensure that these systems are installed in a manner that would not <br />unduly affect community character. The proposed text amendment would: <br /> Provide clarity for City staff as well as solar installers and property owners; <br /> Set standards for building-mounted and freestanding (i.e. ground mounted) systems; <br /> Clarify that solar access easements may be purchased from nearby property owners, consistent <br />with state statute.