09/28/1987 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Discussing the changes, Ms. Bascom sa i d a change to January 21 is not significant and would be appropriate, but Ms. Ehrman said the change would e have a significant impact. Mr. Miller discussed the effect of the change to January 21 and a ten-foot solar fence and Mr. Bennett discussed the difference in heating energy between the December 21 and the January 21 dates and said it does not seem significant. Answering a question from Mr. Bennett, Mr. Miller said a ten-foot solar fence and January 21 is a reasonable compromise. Ms. Bascom said raising the eight-foot solar fence does not protect south walls sufficiently. Mr. Mi 11 er responded that current insulation requirements are such that raising the solar fence will have no impact if there are no windows on the south wall of a house. Mr. Gleason stated that EWES representatives have indicated that raising the solar fence would make an important difference in the solar energy available. Replying to a question from Mr. Holmer, Mayor Obie said implementation of the existing regulations will be delayed if the council wants to consider Mr. Miller1s suggestions. A public hearing on the suggestions will probably be scheduled. Ms. Bascom said some of Mr. Miller's suggestions do not seem to be major changes. Responding to her suggestion that some of the changes be incorporated into the existing ordinance tonight, Mr. Gleason sa i d the council1s tradition is to hold a public hearing before making changes to an ordinance. Mayor Obie and Ms. Ehrman said some people have not been involved in the recent discussions and another public hearing would provide an opportunity for e them to be heard. Mr. Miller said he would like to achieve a consensus so that people in the building industry will favor the solar access regulations. Answering questions from Mr. Bennett, Mr. Croteau said insulation requirements now negate solar energy reception on a wall that has no windows. However, EWEB representatives say they do not know what technology will be available in ten or twenty years and solar access should be protected for the future. Most windows are three feet above grade and, if solar access is protected at that level, the amount of solar energy achieved will not be changed. Ms. Bascom said the solar access ordinance creates a new property right which is the right to a minimum amount of sunlight. Replying to a question from Ms. Schue about Bonneville Power Authori ty conservation measures, Mr. Croteau said EWEB must conserve a certain amount of energy to avoid a ten percent surcharge and EWEB will have to conserve the energy in several ways. Any loss in the energy savings anticipated with the solar energy protection regulations will have to be made up elsewhere. Mr. Miller said the ordinance should include a statement about "infilling" so that houses bui 1 t in existing developments can be compatible with the e . MINUTES--Eugene City Council Dinner/Work Session September 28, 1987 Page 6