HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 3.I 09/12/2005CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA 3.1
AGENDA BILLcar, 1 -e -I -1-1-I. er 12 2405
Agenda Title: Meetine Kate: September 12, 5005
Adoption of Solar Policy for Single -Family Residential
Developments of Five or More Lots or Units. Meeting Time: N 3:00 PM
❑ 7:00 PM
Cateuory (check one): ® Consent Calendar ❑ Public Hearing ❑ New Business
❑ Unfinished Business ❑ Presentation
Denartment: Director:Contact Person: Phone Number:
Comrmunity Mike Moo11 Mike Moore 707-778-4301
Development
Cost of Proposal: Account Number
Up to $10,000 in PCDC funds annually for a $500/unit rebate for Name of Fund: PCDC
the installation of photovoltaic panels generating a minimum of 1
kilowatt of electrical power.
Amount Budgeted: $0.00
Attachments to Agenda Packet Item:
Resolution adopting a solar policy for single-family residential developments of 5 or more lots or units.
Summary Statement:
This item follows the City Council's action at its meeting of August 1, 2005, establishing the basic
requirements of a solar policy for the City.
Recommended City Council Action/Suggested Motion:
Adopt the attached Resolution
Reviewed b Admin. Svcs. Dir
D te: II11�
Todav's Date:
August 30, 2005
Reviewed by City Attornev:
Date:
Revision # and Date Revised
Annrov Citv Manager:
Date:
�/1/7
File Code:
RESOLUTION -2005 N.C.S.
ADOPTING A SOLAR POLICY FOR ALL SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENTS OF FIVE OR MORE LOTS OR UNITS
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma has been a leader in the effort to reduce the production
of greenhouse gases that have been shown to contribute to environmental degradation and global
warming; and
WHEREAS, the efficiency of photovoltaic panels as generators of electricity have
improved dramatically in recent years, making them a viable and cost-effective alternative
source of electrical energy for homeowners; and
WHEREAS, the installation of photovoltaic panels on homes can reduce demand on
electrical generating facilities and thereby reduce the amownt of greenhouse gases emitted by
said generators; and
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma has previously taken steps to insure that photovoltaic
panels are available on certain new single-family residential developments and now wish to
expand that opportunity to all new major single-family residential developments in the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Petaluma
does hereby require the following development standards be applied to all new single-family
residential developments of 5 or more lots or units in the City of Petaluma:
1) All photovoltaic systems anticipated or installed under this policy shall generate a
minimum of I kilowatt of electricity for household use.
2) The developerlbuilder shall install in every unit a 1 inch diameter conduit raceway
and appropriate gauge wiring from the roof of the residence to an area adjacent to
the main electrical service panel for the purpose of allowing for the future
installation of photovoltaic panels. The wiring for the future photovoltaic panel
shall be contained within a minimurn 4 inch by 4 inch splice box adjacent to the
main electrical service panel and served by a 1 inch diameter conduit connection
to the main panel.
3) The wiring raceway shall be stubbed into the attic space and excess wire shall be
coiled and secured to the closest adjacent roof member. The amount of excess
wiring shall be sufficient to safely reach any location on the south facing or other
appropriate roof plane for the efficient connection to the roof -mounted
photovoltaic panels. The roofing material shall be of type, style and composition
to easily accommodate the future installation of photovoltaic panels.
4) All developments subject to these standards shall prepare guidelines, subject to
the review and approval of SPARC, for the design and installation of photovoltaic
panels generating a minimum of 1 kilowatt of electricity. Said guidelines shall be
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included as part of the sales and marketing material for the development along
with the option to purchase a photovoltaic system as part of the sale of the unit.
5) Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC&R's) for developments subject to
these standards and subject to review by the City shall not prohibit the installation
of roof -mounted photovoltaic panels. Furthermore, the approved design
guidelines for the installation of photovoltaic systems shall be incorporated into
the CC&R's for the future reference of the homeowner.
6) The Site Plan and Architectural Review Committee (SPARC) shall have authority
to review and approve unit development plans, building elevations, roof plans,
roofing materials and landscaping plans (specifically tree placement and species)
to insure maximum solar access for photovoltaic systems and to address the
design and appearance issues that may result from the installation of roof -
mounted photovoltaic panels.
7) The Petaluma Community Development Commission (PCDC) shall, as part of its
annual budget, allocate a maximum of $10,000 for the purpose of providing
rebates to single-family residential property owners within the boundaries of a
PCDC project area that install a photovoltaic system that generates a minimum of
1 kilowatt of electricity for household use. The rebate to an individual property
owner shall not exceed $500 per unit and the rebates shall be paid on a first -come -
first -served basis until the $10,000 annual allocation is exhausted. The rebate
shall be paid after the photovoltaic system has received a final inspection from the
City.
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