07/22/1987 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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City owns. He said the solar access ordinance takes away home buyers' rights and increases design and building costs. Referring to statements that the e ordinance can be changed after it is implemented, he said governments are very slow to make changes and the need for changes are costly to home buyers. ,Greg Winterowd is Planning Director of Springfield. He read his testimony and then submitted it in writing. He said the Springfield solar ordinance was adopted two years ago to protect solar access for backyards as well as houses. He said only one of 45 house plans submitted in Springfield has had to be modified to comply with the ordinance. He said the solar ordinance adds about ten minutes to a plan check. Mr. Winterowd said the only problem caused by the Springfield solar ordinance has been the need for builders to submit information about lot elevation. However, the elevation is not needed for flat lots. He said plans for additions to existing residences have had no trouble complying with the solar ordinance. Answering a question from Mayor Obie, Mr. Winterowd said he learned about the council's meeting in conversations with EWEB and Eugene Planning staffs. John Bennett, 1686 Pearl, is Executive Officer of the Home Builders of Lane County. He said the first Tour of Homes since 1980 will begin on Saturday, July 25, 1987. Mr. Bennett said the Eugene solar access ordi nance is very camp 1 ex and difficult and will put an unnecessary burden on the Building Safety staff as well as on builders. He said it is not simple to change roof lines and change e the siting of houses. He said the Home Builders would like a solar access ordinance that protects roofs and investments in solar equipment. He said the protection for south walls in the existing ordinance creates the problems. He said the Home Builders have not publicly objected to the Springfield solar ordinance because very few houses are being buil t in Springfield. He discussed a plan for a house on an existing foundation in Springfield. The plan did not comply with the solar ordinance and the builder spent 45 days trying to make the design comply. The house was not built. Mr. Bennett asked the council to direct the staff to present alternatives to the existing ordinance. He said administrative rules are difficult for builders to comply with because they may change. He said the Home Builders will help the staff develop a workable ordinance. Answering a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mayor Obie said the council was being asked to reconsider the ordinance. Ms. Wooten said she appreciated the testimony today but she is not convinced that the ordinance should be reconsidered. Mr. Miller said he would like to consider alternatives to mitigate problems with the solar access ordinance. He said administrative rules are difficult for people to follow. He suggested the council discuss the ordinance at a work session. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 22, 1987 Page 9