CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
title
Waive the first reading and pass the ordinance amending 6-15-2 (Definitions), Section 6-15-5 (Authorization of Use and Height), and other applicable sections pertaining to Solar Energy Systems (PZC 19-1-021)
body
DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Scott Williams, AICP
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
The Planning and Zoning Commission considered this matter on March 20, 2019 and voted to recommend approval of the request (approved 7-0). Staff concurs.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Naperville is pursuing a national SolSmart designation as part of the objectives to advance renewable energy, enact policies to support clean energy, and engage the community in clean energy practices in accordance with the 2010 Naperville Sustainability Plan. This effort is also consistent with the Metropolitan Mayor's Caucus' Greenest Regional Compact (GRC) that the City of Naperville joined in April 2017 (Resolution 17-251). The GRC promotes sustainability across the Chicago region with an emphasis on building strong and vibrant communities.
Naperville has partnered with 23 other area communities in pursuit of SolSmart designation in a collaborative effort facilitated by the Metropolitan Mayor's Caucus. Currently, 18 communities in Illinois have SolSmart designation. The City's SolSmart application is attached and includes the solar statement and a summary of the different designations (Bronze, Silver and Gold). SolSmart status is a national recognition for communities as being "solar friendly." Communities with this designation have streamlined processes, clear requirements, and trained staff to properly examine and inspect finished work.
As a required part of the application process, national solar experts at SolSmart performed an audit of Section 6-15-5 of the Naperville zoning code and identified potential areas of improvement, cited model code examples, and assigned priority levels. The attached t...
Click here for full text