Davenport planners review proposed Title 17 changes to define residential, commercial and utility solar use; staff to revise draft

On Sept. 16, the Davenport Plan and Zone Commission discussed a proposed amendment to Title 17 of the Davenport Municipal Code that would clarify when solar installations are accessory uses versus principal uses and impose new standards for commercial, community and utility-scale solar.

The proposal, presented by planning staff member Matt, would treat freestanding accessory solar differently from building-mounted panels, limit residential freestanding solar to rear yards and cap accessory freestanding arrays at 50% of the principal building footprint. Staff did not seek a final vote; commissioners provided direction and asked staff to revise the draft and return with edits.

Commissioners and staff said the changes aim to give clearer rules after a recent moratorium and public discussion. "My intention here is to build your understanding of the ordinance, to kind of get an idea of why we're doing this," Matt said during the presentation, asking the commission for feedback on where the city should draw lines between accessory and principal solar.

Key provisions discussed

- Residential accessory freestanding solar: The draft would restrict freestanding accessory systems in residential districts to rear yards and to a maximum of 50% of the home's footprint (the proposer described 50% as a commonly used…