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Commission approves text change to allow rooftop solar at All Saints Episcopal Church
Summary
Planning staff and the applicant agreed to a zoning-text modification exempting rooftop solar panels from an otherwise broad 100% screening requirement for mechanical equipment; the commission approved the change, conditioned on panels being nominally conformal to the roof with minimal standoff.
The Planning Commission voted to modify local zoning text so rooftop solar panels are not treated the same as other rooftop mechanical equipment that requires full ground‑level opacity screening.
Planning staff explained that the current text requires external mechanical equipment to be screened at 100% opacity, language that would effectively prevent rooftop solar installations. Staff recommended clarifying the text so that true mechanical equipment (generators, HVAC units) remain subject to the screening requirement but solar panels are exempted.
Hank Fresh, representing All Saints Episcopal Church, said the church proposes panels on the southeast and southwest roof faces and agreed to a condition that the panels be arranged at an angle consistent with the roof and have only minimal standoff. The commission approved the text modification 4-0.
Next steps: The applicant will proceed with a building permit application and submit plans that comply with the adopted text; planning staff will review placement and final details under the new rule.
