HomeMy WebLinkAbout446 •
ORDINANCE NO. 4 4 6
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
AMENDING SECTIONS 10-1.226, 10-1.239, 10-1.247, 10-1.702, 10-1.502,AND 10-2.301
OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE WITH REGARD TO PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER AND
SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY GENERATION FACILITIES
WHEREAS, the City Council of the Town of.Los Altos Hills ("Town") wishes to
advance the Town's energy conservation goals and increase energy efficiency in residential,
public and private facilities; and
WHEREAS, the Town wishes to amend sections of the Site Development and Zoning
Codes to establish regulations with regard to photovoltaic power (PV) and solar thermal energy
facilities.
NOW, THEREFORE,the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does ORDAIN
as follows:
1. AMENDMENT OF CODE. Sections 10-1.226, 10-1.239, and 10-1.247 of Article
2 (Definitions) of Chapter 1 (Zoning) of Title 10 (Zoning and Site Development) of the Los
Altos Hills Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 10-1.226(a). Grid.
"Grid" means the electrical distribution and transmission system in Los
Altos Hills.
Sec. 10-1.239(a). Photovoltaic Power Generation Facility.
"Photovoltaic Power Generation Facility" means a facility that converts
sunlight into electricity through the utilization of semiconductor cells.
Sec. 10-1.247(a). Solar Thermal Energy Facility.
"Solar Thermal Energy Facility" means a facility that converts radiant
energy from the sun into useful thermal energy including heated water..
2. AMENDMENT OF CODE. Section 10-1.702 (Accessory Uses and Structures
Permitted), Article 7 (Residential-Agricultural District R-A) of Chapter 1 (Zoning) of Title 10
(Zoning and Site Development) of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code is hereby amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 10-1.702(m). Photovoltaic Power Generation Facilities.
Sec. 10-1.702(n). Solar Thermal Energy Facilities.
3. AMENDMENT OF CODE. Section 10-1.502 (Development Area), Article 5
(Area, Coverage, Height, and Setback Limitations) of Chapter 1 (Zoning) of Title 10 (Zoning
and Site Development) of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as
follows:
1 of 3
• •
Sec. 10-1.502(b)(5) Photovoltaic Power Generation Facilities.
A.Photovoltaic Power Generation Facilities that are connected to the Grid
and that are 500 square feet or less are exempt from the requirements of this
section. Photovoltaic Power Generation Facilities greater than 500 sq. ft. in area
are subject to the requirements of this section, unless the Planning Commission
determines that the offsite visual impacts of the facility are adequately mitigated.
Sec. 10-1.502(e) The standards set forth in this section for maximum development
area(MDA) are maximum standards. The City Council and Planning Commission
have the discretion to apply stricter standards to reduce development area where
site specific constraints dictate further limitations, such that the purposes of the
ordinances and Design Guidelines are complied with. Some examples of site
constraints include, but are not limited to, the shape or natural features of the lot,
easements which restrict development, the potential for erosion, or high site
visibility.
4. AMENDMENT OF CODE. Section 10-2.301 (Permits), Article 3 (Permits
Required) of Chapter 2 (Site Development) of Title 10 (Zoning and Site Development) of the
Los Altos Hills Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 10-2.301(a)Administrative review
(8) The construction, placement, or installation of any structure
supporting Photovoltaic Power Generation Facilities that is less than six (6') feet
in height and less than nine hundred(900) square feet in development area;
(9) The construction, placement or installation of Photovoltaic Power
Generation Facilities on an existing structure that are less than eighteen (18")
inches higher than the existing structure.
5. EFFECTIVE DATE; POSTING. This ordinance shall become effective thirty
(30) days from the date of its passage, and shall be posted within the Town of Los Altos Hills in
three(3)public places.
2.of 3
INTRODUCED: April 27, .2 0 0 6.
PASSED: May 11, 200.6.
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Warshawsky, Councilmember ionesr Councilmember Mordor
Councilmember O'Malley
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: Mayor Kerr
ABSENT: None
BY:
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Atto ey
3 of 3