09/24/1990 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e III. PUBLIC HEARING: SOLAR ACCESS CODE AMENDMENTS Assistant City Manager Dave Whitlow introduced the item. Jim Croteau, Planning and Development Department, reported that when the current requirements concerning solar access were adopted by the City Council in 1987, the council directed that a review of the regulations and their impact on building construction be conducted after approximately one year of experience. The proposed amendments have been drafted with the help of representatives from numerous interested parties. Mr. Croteau reviewed the major changes that have been proposed by the Solar Access Work Group, which included: 1) use of a sliding fence height of between 12 and 20 feet; 2) exemption from the proposed regulations in the C-2, C-3, and industrial zoning districts except where the district abuts a residential zoning district; and 3) modification of the design standards for solar access in new developments. He noted the attachment of an emergency clause to the proposed ordinance. Answering a question from Mr. Boles about alternative ways for commercial or industrial buildings to utilize solar access without the level of protection provided in residential development, Mr. Croteau said that some conservation standards are mandatory and that innovative building design and energy-efficient building techniques can be effective ways of providing energy conservation. Mayor Miller opened the public hearing. e Written testimony was submitted on behalf of Gary Simantel, the Home Builders Association of Lane County, the Southwestern Oregon Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and Chuck Bailey. Dwight Purdy, 2250 Elysium, spoke in favor of the proposed amendments which he said would solve his design problems by adding more flexibility to the regulations. Steve Still, Eugene Water & Electric Board, described the proposed amendments as a consensus of diverse groups that have been involved in the process and he voiced his support. Susan Jakabosky, 2018 Orchard Street, identified herself as president of the Willamette Valley Solar Energy Association and she urged passage of the proposed amendments that represent a compromise acceptable to those affected by it. Tom Scott, 2018 Orchard Street, described the proposed regulations as a compromise that could become a model for other communities. There being no further requests to speak, the public hearing was closed. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 24, 1990 Page 4