Shafter Zoning Code § 10.330 Solar Energy Design

1. Purpose and Intent

These provisions are intended to incorporate, to the extent feasible, passive heating and cooling opportunities into the design or modifications of residential, commercial, and industrial developments. They are further intended to ensure that solar energy systems in residential, commercial, and industrial areas do not detract from the appearance of the surrounding neighborhood.

2. Design Requirements

   • a. Active Solar Design

Notwithstanding any provisions included in this Title related to screening roof-mounted equipment, the following standards shall apply to the design of all solar energy systems:

• (1) To the extent practical roof-mounted solar collectors shall be placed in the location least visible from a public right-of-way

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without significantly reducing the operating efficiency of the collectors. Wall-mounted and ground-mounted solar collectors shall be screened from public view at street level.

• (2) When feasible, collectors shall be integrated into the design of a building. Structural support for the collectors shall be screened in a manner that is compatible with the design of the building.

• (3) Appurtenant equipment, including plumbing and related fixtures, shall be installed in an attic or basement, where feasible.

• (4) Large accessory fixtures which must be exposed (e.g., storage tanks) shall be screened, where possible, through architectural features that harmonize with other design elements of the structure.

• (5) Storage tanks shall not be located in any required front or side yards except as permitted by Section 10.30,.1 c, and they shall be screened from view from any public right-of-way.

• (6) Exterior collector surfaces shall have a matte finish, and shall be color-coordinated to harmonize with roof materials or other dominant colors of the structure.

• (7) Any pool or spa facilities, other than those intended for a single family detached residence, shall be provided with a solar cover or solar water heating system.

3. Passive Solar Design in accordance with Section 66473.1 of the Subdivision Map Act

   • a. The design of a subdivision for which a tentative map is required pursuant to Section 66426 of the Subdivision Map Act, or other development, shall provide, to the extent feasible, for future passive or natural heating or cooling opportunities in the development. Examples of passive or natural heating opportunities in subdivision design, or within other development include, but are not limited to:

     • (1) Design of lot size and configuration to permit orientation of structures in an east-west alignment for southern exposure.

     • (2) Design of lot size and configuration to permit orientation of a structure to take advantage of shade or prevailing breezes.

• b. In providing for future passive or natural heating or cooling opportunities in the design of a subdivision or within other residential, commercial, or industrial development for which a subdivision is not involved, consideration shall be given to local climate, contour, configuration of the parcel to be developed, and to other design and improvement requirements. However, such provisions shall not result

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in reducing allowable densities or the applicable planning and zoning regulations in force at the time the tentative map or other development is filed.

c. The requirements of this Section do not apply to condominium projects which consist of the subdivision of airspace in an existing building when no new structures are added.