Agenda - Planning Commission - 05/01/2014

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would need to comply with the maximum allowable building height for the applicable zoning district. Ground mounted systems' height would be restricted by the distance to the nearest property line or the maximum allowable building height for the respective zoning district, whichever is more restrictive. Location and setbacks are also identified for ground source heat pump systems (height is not applicable as these are underground systems). These systems would be permitted in any yard and would need to maintain a minimum setback of five (5) feet from any property boundary. In addition to these standards, the draft ordinance would only permit closed loop systems. Open loop systems, which generally pump groundwater through the system and then discharges it to the ground surface or surface water, would be prohibited due to existing concerns about groundwater supply and some of the known potential adverse impacts associated with open loop systems (warming of surface waters, reduced oxygen levels in lakes as a results of the discharged fluid). Again, the intent of this Ordinance is to develop minimum standards to ensure that the Zoning Code doesn't present a barrier for installation of an alternative energy system. However, the Planning Commission may wish to consider or discuss other standards that could be incorporated. These could include restricting the location of these systems (or at least the solar energy systems, which are typically above ground) to the side or rear yard for residential properties, identifying a specific height restriction (such as fifteen [ 15] or twenty [20] feet, or restricting height to the maximum allowable height of an accessory building in a residential district), and /or consider requiring screening to the extent feasible without impacting functionality Staff will be presenting the draft ordinance to the Environmental Policy Board at their regular May meeting for review and comment as well. Funding Source: Drafting of this ordinance is being handled as part of Staffs regular duties. Recommendation: Staff recommends adoption of Ordinance #14-04 or an amended version of Ordinance #14-04 based on the Planning Commission's discussion. Action: Motion to recommend City Council adopt Ordinance # 14 -04. -or- Motion to recommend City council adopt Ordinance #14 -04 with the following revisions: Attachments Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5 Section D (Solar Access Protection) Draft Ordinance # 14 -04 Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Tim Gladhill Kathy Schmitz 04/24/2014 12:23 PM Form Started By: Chris Anderson Started On: 04/22/2014 05:26 PM Final Approval Date: 04/24/2014