Draft code adds stormwater, open‑space and solar standards; encourages pollinator gardens

Sustainability and green infrastructure are built into the draft zoning code, staff told the Committee. The update adds open‑space zoning, requires more preservation in edge areas, and creates standards that encourage rain gardens, pollinator plantings and other stormwater‑management practices.

Andrew Moore said the draft limits how much roof drainage can be routed directly to storm sewers—writing a draft standard that no more than 50% of roof drainage may be tied to storm sewers in some cases to encourage on‑lot infiltration. He also described standards for solar installations that minimize visual impacts and glare; staff noted roughly 40–50 residential solar permits have been issued in recent years and that the code will regulate panel mounting angle, anti‑glare materials and color matching to shingles for rooftop systems.

The draft also contains small‑scale wind regulations (setbacks, height limits and vibration/noise considerations) and standards for larger solar installations or carport solar, with buffering and setbacks to minimize impacts on neighboring properties.