Agenda - Council - 05/27/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

ground mounted systems, which has also been incorporated into the draft ordinance. The draft ordinance was also presented to the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) at their regular May meeting for review and comment as well. The EPB was supportive of the draft ordinance as well as the Planning Commission's recommendations for revisions. The City Council introduced the ordinance at its May 13, 2014 regular meeting and it is now eligible for adoption. Alternatives/Options Alternative #1: Adopt Ordinance #14-04 establishing minimum standards for alternative energy systems. This ordinance was drafted to position the Zoning Code in such a way that it does not create a barrier for potential implementation of solar or ground source heat pump systems on private property. The draft ordinance has been reviewed by both the Planning Commission and the EPB and both have recommended adoption of the ordinance and was introduced by the City Council at their May 13, 2014 meeting. Staff supports this option. Alternative #2: Adopt Ordinance #14-04 only as it relates to the commercial and employment zoning districts and exclude the residential standards from the ordinance at this time. If the City Council has concerns with the standards applicable to the residential districts, this alternative would allow the standards related to the commercial and employment districts to proceed to the next step (adoption) and provide the City additional time to review potential revisions to the standards applicable to residential districts. Alternative #3: Do not adopt Ordinance #14-04. Encouraging the use of solar energy is outlined in the Comprehensive Plan; however the Zoning Ordinance is fairly silent on this topic. When a use is neither specifically permitted or denied in City Code, it is considered prohibited. This ordinance would clarify that solar and ground source heat pump systems are permissible in any district if they meet certain minimum standards. Thus, Staff would not support this option. Funding Source: Drafting of this ordinance is being handled as part of Staffs regular duties. Recommendation: Both the Planning Commission and the Environmental Policy Board recommend adoption of Ordinance #14-04 with revisions related to ground mounted solar energy systems in residential districts related to setbacks, height and glare (these have been incorporated into the draft ordinance). Action: Motion to waive the City Charter requirement to read the ordinance aloud; -AND- Motion to adopt Ordinance #14-04 amending City Code Section 117-430 establishing minimum standards for alternative energy systems. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Tossey Councilmember Riley Councilmember Backous Councilmember Kuzma Councilmember LeTourneau Councilmember Johns Mayor Strommen Comprehensive Plan Chanter 5 Section D (Solar Access Protection) Draft Ordinance #14-04 Draft City Council Meeting Minutes Dated Mav 13. 2014 Attachments Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Tim Gladlull Tim Gladlull 05/21/2014 11 03 AM KurtUlnch KurtUlnch 05/22/2014 12 55 PM Form Started By Chris Anderson Started On 05/21/2014 09 36 AM Final Approval Date 05/22/2014.