Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2005-151 N.C.S. 09/12/2005 Resolution No. 2005-151 N.C.S. of the City of Petaluma, California 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 amount 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 attached and detached 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 1 kilowatt of electricity for household use. 2) The developer/builder 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 minimum 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 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 ofthe unit. Resolution No. 2005-I I N.C.S. 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. Furtherniore, 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 t7•ee 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. Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City. REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing 2esolution was introduced and adopted by the Approved as to Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the 12`x' day of September, form: 2005, by the following vote: ~ ~ City Attorney AYES: Canevaro, Mayor Glass, Vice Mayor Harris, Healy, Nau ,O'Brien, Torliatt NOES: None ABSENT: None ~q ABSTAIN: None ~ . t ATTEST: v~~~''l~ i City Clerk ayor Resolution No. 2005-151 N.C.S.