Title
Resolution Requesting the City of Ann Arbor to Develop and Adopt a Solar Access Ordinance
Staff
Prepared by: City of Ann Arbor Energy Commission
Reviewed by: Josh MacDonald, Energy Coordinator
Missy Stults, Sustainability & Innovations Manager
Body
Whereas, Neither the State of Michigan, Washtenaw County, or City of Ann Arbor have adopted an ordinance restricting new construction, including real property, signs, and landscaping/vegetation and other property improvements, from blocking solar access1 to adjacent properties and landowners;
Whereas, In December, 2012 the Ann Arbor City Council passed the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and committed to an ambitious multi-strategy vision to address climate change by reducing its community-wide greenhouse emissions and encouraging use of renewable energy sources;
Whereas, The Energy Commission's CAP-supporting Solar Goals were unanimously endorsed by the Ann Arbor City Council in their June, 2016 Resolution Authorizing a Commitment to Making the City of Ann Arbor a Solar Ready Community and to advance use of renewable solar energy by its citizens, businesses, industry, and other owners, and the City itself;
Whereas, Landowner investment in solar energy systems (SESs) is significant and may be obviated by shading from new construction or other improvements on adjacent properties; and
Whereas, The Energy Commission recommended at its January 8, 2019 meeting that City Council direct the City Administrator to work with the City's Planning Manager, the City Attorney, Office of Sustainability and Innovations, and Energy and Planning Commissions in 2019 to develop a "solar access ordinance";
RESOLVED, That the City Council direct the City Administrator to work with the City's Planning Manager, the City Attorney, Office of Sustainability and Innovations, and Energy and Planning Commissions in 2019 to: (1) develop a "solar access ordinance" to ensure landowners who already have an SES on their...
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