HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Resolution 08-42 - (solar sys)RESOLUTION P.C. 08-42
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
HERMOSA BEACH RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF A
ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO EXEMPT
SOLAR SYSTEMS FROM HEIGHT LIMITS t
The Planning Commission of the City of Hermosa Beach does hereby resolve as follows:
SECTION 1. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on September 16, 2008
to consider amending the Municipal Code regarding regulations for solar systems that exceed the
height limit (Text 08-3),
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission of the City of Hermosa Beach hereby finds the proposed
amendment is consistent with State law which limits local authority, the General Plan and zoning
code, and contains sufficient safeguards to ensure the amendment is compatible with the City as a
whole.
SECTION 3. The Planning Commission hereby recommends City Council approval of the
following amendments to the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code:
1. Section 17.46.010 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code shall be amended to read as
follows:
17.46.010 Height of roof structures.
Commercial and Manufacturing Zones. The following elements may be constructed
above the height limit, provided they do not exceed the height limit by more than eight
feet and cover no more than five percent of the total roof area. Where the height of the
element is governed by a uniform building code standard, the element may exceed the
height limit only by the minimum amount necessary to comply with the uniform building
code standards.
A.
Elevator housing;
B.
Stairways;
C.
Tanks;
D.
Ventilating fans;
E.
Parapet fire walls;
F.
Towers;
G.
Chimneys;
H.
Flues;
I.
Vents;
J.
Smokestacks;
K. Wireless masts;
L. Similar structures as determined by the planning commission;
No structure exceeding the height limit shall result in additional floor area.
Residential Zones. Residential uses may have chimneys, vents and flues exceed
the height limit only to the extent required to meet the uniform building code
requirements.
For the height standards for antennas, satellite dishes, and similar structures refer
to Section' 7.^ri 4vi40 17.46.210.
For the development standards for solar energy systems refer to Section
17.46.220.
2. Section 17.46.220 "Solar Energy Systems Can Exceed Height" shall be added to the
Hermosa Beach Municipal Code to read as follows:
17.46.220 Solar energy systems can exceed height limits.
Solar energy systems shall be installed and constructed in conformance with the
following:
A. Purpose:
To promote the use of solar energy systems in accordance with State law while
protecting the public health and safety.
B. Definitions:
1. "Ancillary solar equipment" means any accessory, art or device of a solar ener
system that does not require direct access to sunlight, such as batteries, electric meters,
AC/DC converters or water heater tanks.
2. "Solar collector" means any part or device of a solar energy system that requires
direct access to sunlight and is typically located on the roof top, such as solar panels and
solar hot water or swimming pool heaters.
3. "Solar energy system" means an accessory to the main structure and/or use which
comprises of a combination of solar collectors and ancilla solar equipment used to
generate electricity primarily for consum tion on the property on which the system is
located, or where multiple consumers or exceptional circumstances exist, on an adjoining
property.
C. Development Standards:
1. Solar collectors and solar energy systems may exceed the height limits mandated
by this Code to the minimum extent necessary for their safe and efficient operation in
accordance with the California Building Code and other applicable provisions of state
law.
2. Where feasible, solar energy systems shall be integrated into the design of the
structure as an architectural element.
3. Where feasible, roof -mounted solar energy systems shall be located in such a
manner as to ensure emergency access to the roof, provide areas for smoke ventilation
opportunities and provide emergency egress from the roof.
4. Where feasible, ancillary solar equipment shall be located_ inside the building or
be screened from public view.
5. Solar energy systems shall be erected in a secure, wind resistant_ manner and be
maintained in good condition.
6. Other applicable development standards in this Code may be modified by the
Director in the case where compliance would demonstrably reduce the operatin
efficiency or performance of a solar energy system and compliance will not adversely
impact public health and safety.
SECTION 4. The proposed amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality
Act per Section 15308 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations on the basis that this text
amendment is undertaken by the City to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or
protection of the environment and is consistent with General Plan and zoning code.
VOTE: AYES:
Darcy, Pizer, Perotti, Allen, Hoffman
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution P.C. 08-42 is a true and complete record of the
action taken by the Planning Commission of the City of Hermosa Beach, California, at their
regular meetin of September 16, 2008.
f
Sam Perrotti, Chairman ``Ken Robertson, Secretary
September 16, 2008
Date
F:b951cd1pc109-16-081so1ar reso