Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Solar Permitting topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board continues appeal over large rooftop solar panels at 1616 Taylor for technical analysis
Summary
Neighbors and the permit holder disputed siting and visual impact of solar hot‑water collectors; the Board continued the appeal to Feb. 6, 2008, and requested technical submissions quantifying efficiency, cost and alternatives (horizontal vs vertical arrays).
Neighbors at 1632 Taylor argued a planned rooftop solar‑hot‑water array at adjacent 1616 Taylor would create a large, dark vertical wall looming over their kitchen and living room windows and proposed rotating or relocating some collectors to a horizontal orientation to reduce visual impact without sacrificing efficiency. The permit holder, NVI Investments, and its acoustical/installation consultants said the chosen south‑edge layout provides the best annual solar gain and hydraulic efficiency and that some western panels would be partially shaded in late afternoons.
DBI and the city attorney’s office advised the board that state law limits local review of solar installations to health and safety impacts, but that the board may consider evidence of specific, quantifiable adverse public‑health or safety impacts if supported by substantial evidence. Commissioners asked both sides for a technical submission: the permit holder agreed to provide quantified efficiency and cost comparisons for alternative orientations and placements, and the board continued the hearing to Feb. 6, 2008 with a closed public hearing and deadlines for prefiled technical documents to be served on parties.
