Title
An Ordinance to Amend Sections 5.16 of Chapter 55 (Unified Development Code) of Title V of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor (Personal Scale SES) CPC Recommendation: Approval (8 yes, 0 no) (ORD-23-38)
Memorandum
Amendments are proposed to facilitate installing a personal scale solar energy system as an accessory structure in single-family and two-family residential districts.
Personal Scale Solar Energy Systems are currently more restricted than other accessory buildings and structures. Accessory structures, in general, are allowed in front of a building but behind the Front Setback Line and are allowed to occupy up to 35% of the required Rear Setback Area.
Currently, Personal Scale Solar Energy Systems are prohibited in Front Yards, meaning anywhere in front of a building even if behind the Front Setback Line. The proposed amendments would provide greater flexibility by allowing Personal Scale SES in Front Yards, up to ten feet from the Lot Line, allowing unlimited coverage in the Rear Setback Area.
These amendments are proposed in response to City Council direction to staff to develop a Solar Access Ordinance (see Resolution R-19-087), its declaration of a climate emergency (see Resolution R-19-498), and the adopted Living Carbon Neutrality Plan.
Attachments: Ordinance (Personal Scale SES)
December 6, 2022 Planning Staff Report
December 6, 2022 Planning Commission Minutes
Staff
Prepared by: Alexis DiLeo, City Planner
Reviewed by: Brett Lenart, Planning Manager
Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
(See Attached Ordinance)