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e e e are also allowed in certain cases. The intent of the ordinance is to pro- tect solar access where it is practical and reasonable to preserve it, and to allow exemptions where it is not practical. Mr. Ellison asked what percentage of the lots would be exempt. Mr. Tumidaj said that the study was made on about 5,000 vacant lots in order to see how they would be impacted by the ordinance. Seventy percent of these lots were conducive to solar access protection and about 30 percent were not. Ms. Wooten asked how row houses and multiple-unit dwellings were addressed in the ordinance. Mr. Tumidaj said that the ordinance is very lenient in high-density districts and ensures rooftop protection only. He also said that there are existing solar access provisions in place for many commercial and industrial buildings. This code has been revised and made more leni- ent. The downtown area is excluded from the ordinance. 2. Solar Design Standards for New Subdivisions and PUDs Mr. Tumidaj reviewed the reasons for revising the existing code for new sub- divisions and planned unit developments and summarized that the new code would be more quantitative and precise, more consistent in application, and more realistic for developers. The solar design standard is integrated with the solar setback standards and will optimize the number of solar lots available up to 80 percent; the other 20 percent of the lots would allow a great deal of flexibility to the developer. Mr. Hansen asked who would grant exemptions, and Mr. Tumidaj said the Plan- ning Department. Mr. Miller asked if the lot size reduction to 4,500 square feet was restrictive to design and development. Mr. Tumidaj explained that it is not as restrictive as it seems because a fairly complex structure can be built on a small space if the lots are laid out correctly in the first place. Mr. Hansen asked for examples of where similar restrictions were being implemented, and Mr. Tumidaj mentioned Ashland, Bend, Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver. Mr. Ellison asked about hurdles for developers in the regula- tions, and Mr. Tumidaj referred to two paths that subdividers could choose from for demonstrating compliance with the solar design standard. He explained both the prescriptive and performance approaches, which are described in detail in the background materials. Mr. Miller asked at what point in the construction of the house the solar energy benefits take effect. Mr. Tumidaj explained that the maximum effect is through the win- dows on the south-facing wall; the ordinance allows the shadow to climb two feet up the wall before the standard begins. Ms. Ehrman asked about regula- tions for those who desire to use solar energy, and Mr. Tumidaj explained that there are rights and regulations for both parties, those who choose to maximize solar benefits and those who do not; one cannot infringe on the rights of the other. He also said, in response to Ms. Ehrman's question, that a building permit is required to install certain kinds of solar equip- ment. Mr. Hansen asked if there were any special standards for how solar panels look, and the answer was no, according to Mr. Reed. MINUTES--City Council Work Session April 14, 1986 Page 3