Chapter 16.48
SOLAR ACCESS PROTECTION

Sections:

16.48.010    Purpose and standards.

16.48.020    Solar access performance.

16.48.010 Purpose and standards.

A.    The purpose of this section is to ensure that residential lot configurations and proposed building sites created within a subdivision, approved under this title, will be designed to create as much solar collector access as practical during the “solar heating hours” being defined as the period between three hours before and three hours after the sun is at its highest point above the horizon on December 21st.

B.    Solar access residential lots created and access roads shall meet the following minimum standards to assure maximum residential dwelling exposure to “solar heating hours” and allow adequate setback distances from adjacent lots:

1.    Access roads within the subdivision shall be designed and oriented in a true east-west direction to the maximum extent possible in order for abutting lots to achieve the greatest exposure during “solar heating hours.”

2.    At least fifty (50) percent or more of the lots created within the subdivision area shall be designed and oriented with the longest lot dimension running in a true north-south direction, unless the percentage requirement is reduced or waived in writing by the community development director.

3.    The minimum designed length of the longest lot dimension oriented north-south shall be ninety (90) feet.

4.    The minimum lot setback distance for a solar access designed lot shall be thirty (30) feet from the southern property line.

5.    New structures, vegetation and/or trees, established on lots within the subdivision boundary and adjacent to a potential solar collector lot, shall not be constructed or planted in such a way as to create a significant shadow within the thirty (30) foot setback distance or be allowed to achieve a sufficient height that would block direct sun rays shining onto a solar collector. This requirement may be voided if the adjoining property owner(s) mutually agree to sign and record a solar access shade easement form provided by the Jefferson County community development department.

6.    Existing offsite growing vegetation or structures constructed prior to the approval of the subdivision shall not be subject to the conditions of this section.

7.    The hearings body or community development director may exempt the provisions of this section for any area where it is determined that solar uses are not feasible because there is already substantial shaded areas due to heavy vegetation, steep north facing slopes, and any area or zone in which taller buildings are anticipated or planned. (Ord. O-160-2000 Exh. A § 8.1, 2000)

16.48.020 Solar access performance.

A.    As much solar access as feasible shall be provided each lot or parcel in every new subdivision or partition, considering topography, development pattern and existing vegetation. The new lot lines shall be oriented to the maximum extent possible to provide solar access at ground level.

B.    Solar access lots shall be protected by building setback distances.

C.    If solar access for any lot or parcel required by this performance standard is not feasible, supporting information must be filed with application. (Ord. O-160-2000 Exh. A § 7.7, 2000)