04/14/1986 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e - e Fred Mallery, 2923 Riverview Street, said there are small fir trees south of hlS house which will block the solar access to his roof in 10 to 15 years. He urged approval of the revisions. Tom Scott, 732 West Sixth Avenue, owns Energeia. He said solar systems are becoming popular. He discussed the increase in his business since 1977. He said solar systems are expensive and people consider them long-term invest- ments. He said people will regain their investments if solar access can be maintained. He said people choose solar energy over other types when they have a choice. Jean Tate, 5008 Blanton Road, said she just started a construction company and is concerned about the restrictions in the proposed regulations. She said the trees in south Eugene are beautiful and she would not want developers to have to cut them down. She said Solar Heights is an excellent example of a solar subdivision. She hoped the council would authorize both solar and non-solar subdivisions. John Bennett, 1686 Pearl Street, represented the Home Builders Association of Lane County. He read his testimony and submitted it in writing. He said the Home Builders Association has emphasized energy efficiency and the use of solar energy, but solar construction serves only a specialized and limited clientele. He said the tax incentives for solar construction will probably be reduced. Mr. Bennett said controls and regulations on new construction affect costs and the perception of a locale's acceptability for new development. He said additional regulations such as the proposed ones should not be adopted unless they respond to specific emergencies or are needed to conform to other laws. He suggested the City develop a package of easy-to-use materials about solar energy and solar access protection for existing lots and structures and provide a solar access guarantee process for people who want it. Mr. Bennett said some developers in Eugene have wanted to cut down trees, but the code has restricted it. Now, the proposed changes seem to require cutting trees. He said developers think enforcement of the solar access protection regulations will be a problem and may cause conflicts among neighbors. Mr. Bennett said he hopes construction will increase this summer, but the lowest number of building permits since records have been kept in Lane County were issued in the first quarter of 1986. He said additional regulations will be a detriment to increased activity. Gail Newton, 1849 Willamette, represented the Eugene Board of Realtors which, she said, agrees with Mr. Bennett. She urged the councilors to approve optional solar access protection provisions rather than mandatory ones. Dan Platz, 23 Oakway Mall, said Mr. Bennett expressed his views. Mayor Obie closed the public hearing and then reopened it because a gentleman indicated he wished to speak. MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 14, 1986 Page 9