12/12/1988 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e ordinance as an interim measure until council completes its review of the entire ordinance. Responding to a question from Ms. Bascom, Mr. Croteau said there was no provision in the current solar setback requirements that granted a waiver to the extent of the ordinance before the council. For restrictive lots, a lesser standard for solar setback is required and minimum house height is guaranteed. Answering a question from Ms. Schue, Mr. Croteau said Building Division staff reports that there have been some problems with designers meeting the requirements of the solar setback. Educating designers and builders has helped overcome some of those problems and Mr. Croteau was unaware of any specific situations which would have benefited by this particular provision. Mr. Bennett asked about review of solar issues on a statewide basis and Mr. Croteau said the main interest is in the Portland metropolitan area. A comprehensive analysis in 22 communities has led to the adoption of ordinances that are similar to each other and somewhat different than the one in place in Eugene. Mr. Croteau identified one of the problems with Eugene's ordinance as the fact that solar protection can be provided for one's neighbor, but to do that, one's own home may have to be situated so it is shaded. The ordinances being considered in the Portland area have a "solar balance point." He said the north/south dimension required in Eugene's regulations is considered too narrow to adequately provide flexibility. At least 80 percent of the lots in a new subdivision must have a north/south e, dimension of at least 80 feet. Mr. Croteau expected to bring suggestions to the council that will be in line with what is occurring in the Portland area. Mayor Obie opened the public hearing. Susan Jakobosky, 2018 Orchard Street, spoke as president of the Willamette Valley Solar Energy Association. Ms. Jakobosky said her organization was aware of some difficulties with the solar access ordinance and hopes to reach consensus with the Homebuilders Association to recommend revisions to the council by spring. Some of the revisions Ms. Jakobosky anticipated recommending would address issues of neighborhood compatibility and would probably represent a more comprehensive solution than the current proposal. Ms. Jakobosky requested the council to delay its action in order to consider all proposed revisions simultaneously as part of the one year review process. Mayor Obie closed the public hearing. Mr. Miller expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the homebuilders and the solar community. He said the passage of the proposed amendment would not increase staff time and would emphasize the importance of addressing the issue. When the full solar ordinance is being reviewed, Mr. Miller said he would not hesitate to support a comprehensive program that e MINUTES--Eugene City Council December 12, 1988 Page 4