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am thFY � la e MEMORANDUM To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers Mark Casey, City Manager From: Breanne Rothstein, AICP, City Planner Date: May 4, 2015, 5:30 p.m. Worksession WSB Project No. 02170 -002 Request: Discussion of Draft Solar Ordinance OVERVIEW In completion of the Planning Commission's 2015 Work Plan, the Planning Commission is pursuing the development of an amended solar ordinance to allow for greater applications of solar on residential and commercial structures. An ordinance to allow solar energy systems was adopted in 2014 to allow systems within the ROS — Recreational /Open Space and LI — Light Industrial Districts. With increased interest in renewable energy by homeowners, more specifically for the installation of solar energy systems, staff has prepared a draft Ordinance relating to Solar Energy Systems, specifically in residential and commercial zoning districts. The purpose of the amendment is to incorporate more detailed standards governing the installation of solar energy systems. The ordinance is expected to provide clarity and predictability while ensuring that solar energy systems may be installed in a manner that allows for effective energy production. Further, the standards are intended to ensure that these systems are installed in a manner that would not unduly affect community character. The proposed text amendment would: • Provide clarity for City staff as well as solar installers and property owners; • Set standards for building- mounted and freestanding (i.e. ground mounted) systems; Clarify that solar access easements may be purchased from nearby property owners, consistent with state statute. The Planning Commission held a work session on February 24, 2015 to review and discuss a draft ordinance to permit solar energy systems in residential and commercial zoning districts. The Planning Commission had several recommendations that Staff brought to a City Council worksession for discussion. At this worksession, staff received a number of recommendations from City Council, as outlined below. The Planning Commission met at a worksession on April 27, 2015 and reviewed the revised ordinance. They directed staff to make several changes, as indicated through tracked changes on the enclose ordinance, including: 1) Allowing solar on accessory structures; 2) Requiring solar systems to be located at or below the ridgeline of the home;