Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 05/05/2014

Home

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 The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing for the draft ordinance at their regular May meeting. They recommended approval of the draft ordinance with several revisions related to solar energy systems in residential districts: Funding Source: Drafting of this ordinance is being handled as part of Staffs regular duties. Action: Motion to recommend City Council adopt Ordinance # 14 -04. -or- • Setbacks and height for ground mounted systems be linked to those permitted for accessory buildings • Require an angle analysis for ground mounted systems for aesthetic purposes and to ensure that glare is minimized 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 Chris Anderson (Originator) Chris Anderson 05/02/2014 01:23 PM Form Started By: Chris Anderson Started On: 04/30/2014 03:03 PM Final Approval Date: 05/02/2014