HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.3ITEM 4.3
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS July 10, 2014 "
Staff Report to the Planning Commission
SUBJECT AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO EXTEND THE SUNSET
PROVISION OF LOS ALTOS HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 10-1.502 "
(B) (6) -(viii) (ROOF MOUNTED SOLAR — DEVELOPMENT AREA BONUS);
FILE #182-14-MISC
FROM: Debbie Pedro, AICP, Community Development Director
RECOMMENDATION That the Planning Commission:
Forward a recommendation to the City Council to adopt the amended Ordinance in Attachment 1
extending the sunset date of Los Altos Hills Municipal Code Section 10-1.502(B)(6)(viii) -
Development Area Bonus Ordinance to July 31, 2016.
BACKGROUND
The Development Area Bonus Ordinance was adopted by the City Council on July 13, 2006 as an
incentive program to encourage energy conservation through the use of photovoltaic systems. The
Ordinance allows for properties that do not already exceed the Maximum Development Area to
receive a one-to-one square foot of additional Development Area for each square foot of roof
mounted photovoltaic panels installed up to a maximum of 500 square feet. The original ordinance
has a 5 year sunset provision On September 19, 2013, the City Council unanimously voted to
extend the solar/development area bonus for one (1) year until July 30, 2014.
DISCUSSION
Since the adoption of the Ordinance in 2006, 457 solar permits.have been issued by the Building
Department. Permit records from the last 3 years show that approximately 18% of the applicants
immediately utilized the bonus, most of which were associated with new residence projects.
No. of Solar PV Permits Issued
FY2005-2014
100 - 90
90
80
70 66
62-
56
-. - -
51- -. - --50 ---- - -
50 45 - -
37
40 29 -
30 -"
20
10 - --
0
2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14
Staff Report to the Planning Commission
Amendment to Development Area Bonus Ordinance
July 10, 2014
Page 2 of 2
Committee Review
On June 26, 2014, the Environmental Initiatives Committee discussed the continuation of the solar
bonus ordinance. The Committee noted that many residents are still interested in the incentive
program. In addition, it found that increasing the use of solar PV systems would help advance the
Town's energy conservation goals and increase energy efficiency of homes. The Committee the
voted 4-1 to recommend extending the incentive program for an additional two (2) years until July .
30, 2016.
Summary of Amendment
Existing: Sunset n1V tY1J1V1. Thisseotien �hall expire r„ l 30, 2014
Proposed: Sunset Provision. This section shall expire on July 31, 2016
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE (CA)
Ordinance 500 was adopted with an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration. The.proposed
Ordinance Amendment is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act by Section 15303 (e).
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Ordinance Amendment
ATTACHMENT 1
DRAFT ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF. THE TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
AMENDING SECTION 10-1.502 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE WITH REGARD TO
ROOF MOUNTED PHOTOVOLTAIC FACILITIES AND
DEVELOPMENT AREA BONUS
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 the section of the Zoning Code to extend the
Development Area.Bonus for Roof Mounted Photovoltaic Facilities until July 30, 2016.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does ORDAIN.
as follows:
1. 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:
Sec. 10-1.502(b)(6)(viii) Sunset Provision. This section shall expire on July 30,
2016.
2. 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.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
City Clerk
1 of 2
Mayor