HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 2004 0453 0120RESOLUTION NO. PC- 2004 -453
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TO THE
CITY COUNCIL ADOPTION OF DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
WHEREAS, the City Council has identified the use of solar
energy systems as an effective and desirable means of producing
energy which is plentiful, non - polluting, and does not deplete
the natural resources as many other energy sources do; and
WHEREAS, the negative visual impacts associated with the
use of these systems can be significant, particularly when
viewed from neighboring properties or public rights -of -way; and
WHEREAS, the California Solar Rights Act limits the ability
of the City to restrict the use or placement of solar energy
systems to the degree that the costs would increase by more than
twenty percent (200), or that the efficiency would be degraded
by more than twenty percent (200); and
WHEREAS, draft Design Guidelines for Solar Energy Systems
have been prepared in recognition of the desire of the City to
both promote the use of solar energy and minimize the visual
impacts of solar energy systems consistent with the limitations
established by the California Solar Rights Act; and
WHEREAS, the Design Guidelines for Solar Energy Systems are
exempt from environmental review under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by the general rule that CEQA
only applies to projects that may have a significant effect on
the environment.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MOORPARK DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: The
Planning Commission of the City of Moorpark recommends to the
City Council the adoption of the Design Guidelines for Solar
Energy Systems, attached hereto as Exhibit A.
SECTION 2. CERTIFICATION OF ADOPTION: The Community
Development Director shall certify to the adoption of this
resolution and shall cause a certified resolution to be filed in
the book of original resolutions.
S: \Community Development \ADMIN \COMMISSION \Final Reso \pc 453 Solar Energy Systems design
guidelines .doc
Resolution No. PC- 2004 -453
Page 2
The action of the foregoing direction was approved by the
following vote:
AYES: Commissioners DiCecco, Landis, Peskay,
Vice Chair Lauletta and Chair Pozza
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
PASSED, AND ADOPTED this 20th day of January, 2004.
ATTEST:
B=n)t*y Hog
C De pment Director
Exhibit A - Design Guidelines for Solar Energy Systems
Resolution No. PC- 2004 -453
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EXHIBIT A
DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
1. These Guidelines shall apply to the installation and
maintenance of solar energy systems for all uses in all
zones Citywide. Solar energy systems, as referenced herein,
shall refer to any system, or component equipment of such
system, associated with the collection of sunlight, its
conversion to usable energy (whether electricity or heat),
and the transmission and storage of that energy to the
building or facility the equipment serves.
2. Applicants proposing the placement of solar energy systems
shall provide plans showing the requested location and
configuration of the system, as well as any possible
alternative locations and configurations which may better
meet the intent of these guidelines. Should the applicant
propose a location or configuration other than the location
or configuration that best meets the intent of these
guidelines, the applicant shall have the burden of proof to
provide calculations which demonstrate that the location or
configuration which best meets the intent of the guidelines
will result in either an increase in system cost in excess
of twenty percent (200), or a decrease in system efficiency
in excess of twenty percent (200) when compared to the
location or configuration proposed by the applicant. if
one of these can be demonstrated, then the system can be
approved in an alternative location or configuration that
best meets the intent of these guidelines without a twenty
percent (200) increase in cost or twenty percent (200)
decrease in efficiency.
3. Solar energy system equipment shall be placed in locations
which are the least visible from public streets, public
facilities, and neighboring properties. Avoiding visibility
from public rights -of -way shall be the highest priority,
followed by avoiding visibility from neighboring
properties. Placement on the roof plane facing away from a
street is the preferred location.
4. Placement of equipment on flat roof elements is acceptable,
so long as the equipment or its support structures are not
visible from public streets, public facilities or
Resolution No. PC- 2004 -453
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neighboring properties. The equipment shall be screened
with an architecturally compatible structure.
S. Equipment and required structural supports shall be placed
as close to the roof plane as possible while still
maintaining safe and effective operational conditions.
Flush mounting is required on pitched roofs, unless flush
mounting would constitute a significant impact on cost or
efficiency, as defined by the California Solar Rights Act.
Equipment and support structures shall not extend beyond
the existing roof area or above the top of the wall or
existing roof peak of the building upon which they are
mounted.
6. Equipment frames, support structures, and related rooftop
equipment shall be painted to match, as closely as
possible, the predominant color of the roof. The color
shall be subject to the approval of the Community
Development Director.
7. All electrical wiring shall be enclosed in conduit and all
exterior conduit and exterior plumbing on buildings shall
be painted to match, as closely as possible, the surface
across which they run. Ground - mounted plumbing and conduit
shall be buried underground.
8. Ail solar energy system equipment shall be considered
accessory structures and shall meet applicable setback and
height limitations.
9. Solar energy systems may be designed in such a manner as to
become architectural features of the building design.
Although use of such a design would not meet these
requirements relative to screening from public view, such
design may be approved, at the discretion of the Community
Development Director.
10. Solar energy system equipment, including hot water storage
tanks, shall not occupy required parking spaces.
11. Non - functional solar energy systems shall be repaired or
removed within 3 months of becoming non - functional.
12. Review and approval of solar energy system installation to
existing buildings shall be accomplished through non -
discretionary process (i.e. Zoning Clearance), unless
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significant alterations to the subject building are
required. In these instances, a Permit Adjustment, Planned
Development Permit or other discretionary process as
determined by the Community Development Director shall be
the appropriate mechanism for review and approval.