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Commission advances height‑exception changes to favor all‑electric, solar‑oriented projects
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Summary
The commission voted to recommend UDC amendments keeping a 30% height bonus for eligible projects but clarifying eligibility: sustainable projects must be all‑electric, provide solar collectors over 60% of a defined surface or pay in lieu, and affordable projects must meet a 15% affordability threshold; staff and city sustainability and economic directors presented the rationale.
The Ann Arbor Planning Commission on April 21 voted to recommend amendments to the Unified Development Code that preserve the existing 30% height bonus but tighten eligibility and implementation rules for sustainable and affordable housing exceptions.
Planner DeLeo told the commission the exception has been used by six projects and staff proposed limited changes to better align the bonus with the city’s A2Zero carbon‑neutrality goals. Under the recommended language, sustainable developments must be powered solely by electricity and provide solar collectors covering at least 60% of the project surface; where on‑site solar cannot meet the full requirement, the ordinance would allow a partial payment‑in‑lieu to a city sustainable energy fund to build solar in Ann Arbor.
Missy Stultz, director of the Office of Sustainability and Innovation, said the change emphasizes local renewable deployment rather than off‑site offsets. "We want our power here," Stultz said, describing the payment‑in‑lieu as a way to fund solar projects within the community. Joe Giant, Director of Economic Development, added that staff sought a pragmatic, implementable approach that expands eligibility while preserving performance goals.
Commissioners debated stacking bonuses, the 1:1 setback requirement for portions of a building above the normal height limit, and whether the proposed language would permit dual gas/electric heating with gas kicking in under cold conditions. Staff and city attorneys said building‑code and utility constraints would guide backup power and that additional refinements could be made at council. The motion to recommend the amendments as amended passed unanimously.
