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<br />ZONING REVIEW – St. Anthony Village <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Potential barriers in current code language <br /> <br />Section(s) Element Reviewer Comments Example(s) from other <br />codes Priority level <br />§ 152.122 – <br />C General <br />Commercial <br />District <br />Condition <br />al use <br />The zoning ordinance <br />stipulates that solar <br />energy systems are <br />permitted by <br />conditional use permit <br />only. <br /> <br />It is a best practice to <br />permit solar energy <br />systems as a by-right <br />accessory use in all <br />zoning districts. <br />More permissive: <br />“Solar Energy Systems as <br />described in this Article are <br />permitted in all zoning <br />districts as an accessory use <br />to a permitted principal use <br />subject to the standards for <br />accessory uses in the <br />applicable zoning district and <br />the specific criteria set forth in <br />this article.” (Renewable <br />Energy Ordinance <br />Framework, DVRPC) <br /> <br />Less permissive: <br />“Solar Energy Systems shall <br />be considered an accessory <br />use and permitted by right if <br />mounted to an existing <br />structure and if any <br />percentage of the energy is <br />used for one or more of the <br />principal uses on the same <br />lot.” (Renewable Energy <br />Ordinance Framework, <br />DVRPC) <br />High (Allowing <br />solar as by-right <br />accessory use <br />will significantly <br />reduce <br />installation times <br />and costs, which <br />should <br />encourage <br />further <br />development of <br />solar energy.) <br />§ <br />152.187(B)( <br />2)(a) <br />Visibility The zoning ordinance <br />limits visibility of solar <br />energy systems from <br />the nearest street <br />frontage. It is not a <br />best practice to screen <br />solar energy systems <br />or limit their visibility <br />from public rights-of- <br />way. <br />More permissive option: <br />Screening of Mechanical and <br />Electrical Equipment: All <br />exterior mechanical and <br />electrical equipment shall be <br />screened on all vertical sides <br />at least to the height of the <br />equipment it is screening and <br />incorporated into the design <br />of buildings to the maximum <br />extent feasible. Equipment to <br />Medium <br />(Screening <br />requirements <br />may increase the <br />cost of <br />installation and <br />could also <br />decrease the <br />efficiency of a <br />solar energy <br />system by <br />PZD-1a: Review zoning requirements and identify restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally <br />prohibit solar PV development. Compile findings in a memo. (Required) <br />To assist your community, the national solar experts at SolSmart have conducted a review of your <br />community’s zoning code to assess possible barriers (i.e. height restrictions, set-back requirements, etc.) <br />and gaps related to solar PV development. Below, please find the outcome of their review. By reading the <br />narrative, reviewing the example code language provided, and signing the statement at the bottom of the <br />page, your community will satisfy PZD-1a and be one step closer to achieving SolSmart designation.