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Planning staff presents first read of accessory solar and wind rules: rooftop solar broadly allowed, freestanding turbines limited to industrial areas
Summary
Planning staff presented a first read of an ordinance allowing roof‑mounted solar across zoning districts (with a one‑foot setback and restrictions against trackers), permitting building‑integrated photovoltaics, and limiting freestanding accessory wind turbines to industrial districts as a conditional use with size and setback limits.
The board heard a first read of amendments to Title 10 addressing accessory solar and wind energy facilities. Planning staff summarized a multi‑stage drafting process and said the proposal would allow roof‑mounted solar in all zoning districts with a one‑foot setback from roof edges, require stationary (non‑tracking) panels, permit building‑integrated photovoltaics designed to blend with architecture, and require generated energy to be used on site rather than sold offsite.
On small wind, staff said accessory wind energy facilities would be allowed only in industrial districts as a conditional use with limits such as a 15‑foot maximum blade diameter for freestanding turbines and restrictions on height and clearances for roof‑mounted turbines. As planning staff put it, "Solar panels... would be allowed on roofs in all zoning districts." Trustees discussed accessory structure definitions, HOA constraints and undergrounding of conduit for detached installations; staff agreed to refine language and return after clarifications.
