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m thFYVill'-ale MEMORANDUM To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members Mark Casey, City Manager From: Kelsey Johnson, AICP, City Planner Date: March 3, 2015 City Council Work Session for March 9, 2015 WSB Project No. 02170 -002 Request: Discussion and Direction Relating to Solar Energy Systems in Residential and Commercial Zoning Districts OVERVIEW It is beneficial to review sections of the City Code on a regular basis in order to identify potential issues before they are found through a request or land use application. In addition, it ensures that the City Code is reflective of what is desired for the community. At the regular meeting of the Planning Commission on January 26, 2015, the Planning Commission reviewed a list of potential ordinances to review and /or modify and created a "Work Plan ". The Work Plan is a schedule of objectives established by the Planning Commission, which provides an efficient method of prioritizing projects and achieving the most important goals of the Planning Commission and the community. Among potential projects in 2015, the Planning Commission prioritized a list of projects they would like to work on. The City Council, adopted the Work Plan on February 24, 2015. Item #1 on the Planning Commission Work Plan is to "continue review /update green /energy /reuse ordinance(s) ". This item was also on the Planning Commission's Work Plan from 2014, however was not addressed during the previous year due to other initiatives and land use applications that were worked on during that timeframe. 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.