City of Gainesville - File #: 140692.

• File #: 140692.
• Version: 3
• Type: Ordinance
• Status: Adopted
• File created: 1/29/2015
• In control: City Attorney
• On agenda: 6/18/2015
• Final action: 7/2/2015
• Title: TEXT CHANGE - ROOFTOP SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS (B) Ordinance No. 140692; Petition No. PB-14-156 TCH An ordinance of the City of Gainesville, Florida, amending the Land Development Code relating to rooftop solar photovoltaic power systems; by amending Section 30-23 to add a definition; by amending Section 30-343 to allow rooftop solar photovoltaic power systems in all zoning districts; and by amending Section 30-112 to provide regulations for installation of such systems on structures on the local register of historic places; providing directions to the codifier; providing a severability clause; providing a repealing clause; and providing an effective date.

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
7/2/2015	3	City Commission	Adopted on Final Reading (Ordinance)	Pass
6/18/2015	2	City Commission	Approved (Petition) and Adopted on First Reading (Ordinance)	Pass

title

TEXT CHANGE - ROOFTOP SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS (B)

Ordinance No. 140692; Petition No. PB-14-156 TCH

An ordinance of the City of Gainesville, Florida, amending the Land Development Code relating to rooftop solar photovoltaic power systems; by amending Section 30-23 to add a definition; by amending Section 30-343 to allow rooftop solar photovoltaic power systems in all zoning districts; and by amending Section 30-112 to provide regulations for installation of such systems on structures on the local register of historic places; providing directions to the codifier; providing a severability clause; providing a repealing clause; and providing an effective date.

recommendation

The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.

explanation

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT

This ordinance will amend the Land Development Code to allow installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic power systems in all zoning districts.  It also adds a definition of rooftop solar photovoltaic power systems and provides regulations concerning the installation of these systems on structures subject to historic preservation/conservation.  To date, the City has administratively allowed the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic power systems in all zoning districts.  However, the Land Development Code does not currently contain any clear statements concerning this and does not contain a definition of these systems.

This ordinance results from an interlocal agreement (Legistar # 140483) with Alachua County (who has partnered with Broward County under the U.S. Department of Energy Rooftop Solar Challenge Agreement entitled Go SOLAR-Florida) to encourage installation and expedite permits for rooftop solar photovoltaic power systems.  

After public notice was published in the Gainesville Sun on January 6, 2015, the City Plan Board held a public hearing on January 22, 2015, and recommended approval of the petition by a vote of 6-0.  

CITY ATTORNEY MEMORANDUM

This ordinance requires two hearings and will become effective immediately upon adoption.