HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-4780 General Plan Energy Conservation Element updateRESOLUTION NO. 4780 (1982 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO AMENDING THE ENERGY ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN (GP 1006)
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission and City Council have held public hearings
on the subject general plan change, in accordance with the California Government
Code and the General Plan Amendment Regulations of the city; and
WHEREAS, the action is one of numerous actions comprising the general plan
amendment heard by the Planning Commission in January 1982; and
WHEREAS, the potential environmental impacts of the action have been
evaluated and a negative declaration has been granted pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act and the city's Environmental Impact procedures and
Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has recommended approval of the change; and
WHEREAS, the change to the Energy Element is fully described in Exhibit A,
attached to and made a part of this resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE.IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of ,San Luis
Obispo as follows:
1. The Energy Element is amended as shown in the attached Exhibit A.
2. The Community Development Department shall cause the changes to be reflected
in the publications which are on display in City Hall and which are made available
to the public.
3. This action shall take effect thirty days from the date of adoption of this
resolution.
R4780
Resolution No. 4780 (1982 Series)
GP 1006
Page 2
On motion of Councilwoman Dovey , seconded by Councilman Settle ,
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Dovey, Settle, Dunin, Griffin, and Mayor Billig.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 16th day of March 1982.
ATTEST:
Ti'7z2izo 114elm
Clerk Pamela og s
APPROVED:
6D (a
City Administrative 0 fits
City Attorney-
Tzv-.�
Community a elopment Department-
c
Resolution No. 4780 (1982 Series)
GP 1006
Amendments to the Energy Element text:
Program,25 is amended:
e�
J;
EXHIBIT A page 1 of 2
"Architectural review guidelines will provide criteria for the des4gm
appearance of solar water heating systems in both new construction and
retrofitting..."
Program 32 is amended:
"The design of subdivisions will protect solar exposure to the greatest
extent possible:
- Within all new residential subdivisions, the longest dimension of each
lot should be priented within 30 degrees of south, unless the.subdivider_,'
demonstrates that for certain lots any one of the following applies:
• The Lots are large enough to allow suitable building orientation
regardless of lot orientation;
• Buildings will be constructed as part of the tract development, and
the buildings will be properly oriented, with adequate solar exposure;
* Topography makes variations from the prescribed orientation desirable
to reduce grading or tree removal or to take advantage of a setting.
which would favor greater reliance on early morning or late afternoon
exposure.
* Topographical conditions -- such .as� steep northerly-facing slope
or shading by the mass of a hill make solar energy use generally
infeasible;
* The size of the subdivison combined with the existing orientation of
surrounding streets and lots preclude desirable lot orientation.
"These lot- orientation policies are intended to facilitate good building
orientation and to provide the building owner control over as much land as
possible to the south of the building, without using special easements
They also apply to condominiums and to commercial subdivisons, though in
such developments there may be additional considerations which would warrant
a different orientation. In subdivided structures (condominiums), as many uni
as feasible should have south -wall exposure "
Program 33 is amended:
"A generally acceptable level of solar exposure will be protected /by zoning
height and yard standards.-7 Additional protection may be assured by
recorded agreement among private parties. #}ed-w#th-tMe-6ty=s-6erdp#ty-
Bevelepraent- Department."
"The following quidel.ines- .are3.intended-to protect basic, long -term solar
exposure, regardless of proposed bui �ldinq form or use or nonuse of solar
collectors."
Program 33 (cont.)
SOLAR ACCESS GUIDELINES STANDARgS
Land -use and_Site Conditions
Conservation /open -space and residential
uses up to about 6 units per acre, on
sites of one acre or more.
EXHIBIT A page 2 of 2
Desirable Solar Access
All south walls and all roof areas should
be unshaded during midday on the winter
solstice.
Conservation /open space and residential Most Nearly all south walls and all roof
uses up to about 6 units per acre on sites areas should be unshaded during midday on
of less than one acre. the winter solstice.
Residential uses between 6 and 12 units All roof areas, aed -mast nearly all
per acre, office uses, and neighborhood second- :story and most first -story south
commercial uses, on sites of one acre or walls should be unshaded during midday
more. on the winter solstice.
Residential uses between about 6 and 12 Most roof areas and some most second -
units per acre, offices, and neighborhood story south walls should be unshaded
commercial uses, on site less than 1 acre. during midday on the winter solstice.
Residential uses at densities greater than All roof areas and sewe most south walls
12 units per acre, public facilities, should be unshaded during midday on the
and general commercial and industrial winter solstice.
areas uses, in suburban and newly subdiv-
ided areas..
Residential uses at densities greater than Most roof areas and some south wal -Is
12 units per acre, public facilities, and on upper floors should be unshaded
general commercial and industrial areas during midday on the winter solstice..
uses within downtown and other locations
previously subdivided into relatively
small lots.
Program 35.-is amended:
"Shading by vegetation will be controlled by the__California Solar Shade
Control Act. This.act prohibits the placement of vegetation-in locations
1Nbich would shade a solar collector on another's property.
57-80
s1. 00
ENERGY
CONSERVATION
ELEMENT
city of
san lugs osispo
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
890 PALM STREET/POST OFFICE.BOX 321
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93408
(805) 541.1000
CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Goals and Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Programs:
City Operations 5 Procedures . . . . . . 7
Guidance and Information for
Developers & Property Managers . . . . 8
Regulation of New Development 10
Information for the General Public 13
This element was adopted April 7, 1981
(Resolution No. 4433)
The following amendments have been adopted:
Subject Date
Programs 25, 32, 33 and 35 March 16, 1982
Resolution No.
4780 (1982 Series)
INTRODUCTION
Background
In November 1979 the San Luis Obispo City Council called upon the Planning
Commission to develop an energy conservation element for the city's general plan.
The council also resolved that energy conservation and the use of renewable energy
sources are high priority activities which should be incorporated in both public
and private projects.
The city's Planning Commission, Architectural Review Commission, Citizen's Advisory
Committee, and particularly the ad hoc Energy Advisory Committee and interested
individual citizens contributed to the development of the element. Initial drafts
and staff support were provided by the advance planning section of the Community
Development Department.
The Situation
Energy is the ability to do work -- to produce change in the characteristics of
inanimate and living material. It has been called the "true currency" of economic
and ecological systems because it is the fundamental, measurable means of exchange,
necessary for all living and mechanical activities. While energy represented by
all its forms remains abundant, several types of fuel which have been taken
more -or -less for granted over the last 50 years are becoming relatively more
scarce, more costly, and less reliable.
People have been using dramatically more energy each generation since the
industrialization of western Europe began about 200 years ago. Most of the energy
use has been like drawing on a bank account without making deposits -- we have been
depleting a limited supply of what was once solar energy, stored in our planet as
wood, coal, oil and natural gas.
Much of the energy used in the United States is imported, making us vulnerable to
political and economic disruptions elsewhere in the world. Energy -exporting
nations are realizing that, to a great degree, importers have had the better part
of the deal, receiving the "true currency" in exchange for "promissory notes."
Average energy use per person in this country is about twice that in some other
countries with more harsh climates and equal or higher material living standards.
The total costs of developing additional domestic energy sources are not completely
reflected in our present fuel and utility bills. The environmental damage from
strip mines, offshore oil drilling, power plants, and nuclear waste disposal sites
and marine terminals for fossil fuels are often not felt by the general consumer of
energy. Also, construction of new power plants requires investment capital which
could be used in other areas, to meet other needs and create additional employment
opportunities: housing, agriculture, energy conservation. These undesirable
environmental and economic consequences of incresed energy production may be
reduced, postponed, and in some cases eliminated by conservation and substitution
of cleaner, renewable energy sources.
1
The economy, climate, and location of San Luis Obispo make. possible significant
savings in energy use through readily available means. San Luis Obispo's economy
is based on services: education, government, health care, finance, retail trade,
and meals, lodging, and entertainment. These activities use energy primarily for
heating, cooling, illumination, and personal transportation, uses which are
amenable to many simple, inexpensive conservation measures. The city's latitude
and climate minimize the need for space heating and cooling in properly designed
structures and offer abundant sunshine and air movement for natural heating and
cooling.
Many city residents are aware and supportive of the need for a deliberate
transition from scarce, hazardous, and nonrenewable energy sources to more
plentiful, benign, renewable sources. The industries, insititutions, and residents
of the community could be an important source of talent in carrying out this
transition.
2
GLOSSARY
The following terms are used either in this document or are likely to be used in
its revisions or implementing programs.
Active solar energy system means a system which requires mechanical energy from an
external source to move collected heat to a place of use or storage, such as a
pump—circulated water heating system. These are sometimes called "indirect"
systems when used to. heat space in a building.
Alternative energy source means a source of energy other than what are currently
considered "conventionalrr sources. Alternative sources include wind, sunlight,
conversion of biomass (plant matter or animal waste) to heat or fuel, or the use of
energy which would otherwise be wasted in a conventional system, such as
cogeneration or recovery of waste heat.
Cogeneration means the use of energy—producing capacity which would otherwise be
lost to generate useable energy -- usually electricity -- for consumption by either
the producer or, through public utility systems, general customers.
Conservation means the use of less energy in any form than would otherwise occur.
It may be accomplished by greater efficiency -- for example, more miles per gallon
-- or reduced activity — for example, going to a nearby park instead of a distant
park.
Conventional energy source includes oil, natural gas, or coal (fossil fuels),
nuclear energy, and hydroelectric power from water impounded for that purpose.
Energy means the capacity to change the characteristics of a material, most often
its location or temperature. Most units for measuring energy are based on the
amount required to increase the temperature of a given mass a certain number of
degrees (British thermal units -- BTU's -- and calories). Generally, energy is
either "kinetic" -- meaning in motion -- or "potential" -- waiting to be used. In
the realm of daily life, energy is never really used up, only changed from a more
useful state to a less useful state, with all forms eventually dissipating as heat.
Other forms of energy include radiant (propagated by waves, such as sunlight,)
mechanical (inherent in motion, as in a spinning flywheel) chemical (as in the
bonds holding carbohydrates together, released when wood is burned or food is used
in the body), and nuclear (as in the bonds holding components of atoms together).
Electricity has been a convenient form of energy to transform and transport.
Hybrid system means a solar energy system which combines features of both active
and passive systems, such as a thermal mass warmed directly by sunlight which may
heat spaces by passive radiation and convection or by air circulation actively
aided by fans.
Insolation means the total direct, difuse, and reflected sunlight striking a
surface.
Insulation means a material or the property of a material which resists the flow of
heat from one place to another. Governmental codes and manufacturers'
specifications use a measure called the "R—value" for this property. The higher
the value, the greater the resistance to heat conduction.
3
Life -cycle cost means the total cost of buying and operating a building or a piece
of equipment over its useful life.
Passive solar energy system -- sometimes called a "direct" system — means a design
which uses landscape and architectural features to collect and store energy
directly, without any external, mechanical power source. Such systems are nearly
always used for heating or cooling space within a building. Many passive systems
work best with some management by the occupant, such as opening windows or closing
curtains.
'Peak demand means the highest rate of demand over a short term, compared to lesser
rates of demand over a longer interval. Peak demand may come at a certain hour of
the day or a season of the year. It is called "peak" because a graph of energy
units used vs. time reaches a peak at that point. Energy -producing and
transportation facilities are often built to accomodate peaks, at great expense
compared to sizing for average demand.
Performance standard means a definite level of performance, such as maximum energy
used for heating per square foot of building. Regulations based on performance
standards make the designer responsible for choosing the best method of complying.
Photovoltaic means a device or system for converting sunlight directly to
electricity. Such "solar cells" were first used in satellites and remote
communication equipment.
Prescriptive standards establish one or more specific means of achieving a general
level of performance, such as requiring certain amounts of insulation.
Renewable energy source means a type of energy which is more or less continually
flowing from source to potential user, such as sunlight, wind, tidal and wave
action, growing plants, geologic heat, and difference between temperature of layers
of ocean water. Nonrenewable sources include stocks of coal, oil, gas, uranium
ore, and intermediate sources derived from them. (The nuclear "breeder reactor"
would in a sense be a renewable source once it is successfully established along
with a fuel and waste processing cycle).
Retrofit means to install a system or devices in an existing building or vehicle.
Solar access means exposure of a solar collector or passive system to the amount
and d— uratio of sunlight necessary for the successful operation of the system.
"Solar skyspace" -- a nearly synonymous term -- means the space between a solar
collector and the sun which must be sufficiently free of shading obstructions.
Solar collector means a device which transforms sunlight striking it into another
form of energy, such as heat, electricity, or chemical potential.
Substitution means the replacement of one form of energy by another, as when fossil
fuels replaced animals for farm work and transportation, or when solar energy
rather than natural gas is used to heat water.
4
Thermal mass means a solid or liquid mass which absorbs, stores, and releases heat
effectively, such as a tank of water or masonry wall which is warmed by sunlight
and which gives off its heat at night.
Weatherization means sealing a structure and its heating and cooling systems to
prevent energy waste through unwanted air leakage.
Winter solstice means the day -- usually December 21 -- when the sun is lowest in
the southern sky and the period of daylight is shortest. (The summer solstice is
the day when the sun is at its most northern position at noon and the period of
daylight is longest. It occurs June 21.)
5
GOALS AND POLICIES
San Luis Obispo will achieve broad public awareness of citizen's roles in causing
and solving energy problems. Overall energy consumption will be reduced by
eliminating frivolous uses and making more efficient use of energy in essential
activities, with the goal of reducing average conventional energy use per person in
1995 to about 60% of 1980 consumption.
The city will provide leadership for the county as a whole in both energy
conservation and the substitution of alternative for conventional energy sources.
The city will concentrate its efforts in areas with the greatest potential benefit:
(1) its own properties and operations and (2) relationships among parties in the
private sector.
The city will set an example for energy conservation and the use of renewable
sources in its own facilities and operations. The materials purchasing, use, and
recycling activities of the city will recognize indirect energy -use consequences.
The city's intervention in the private sector will focus on areas where typical
performance lags behind what is technically and economically feasible. First
priority will be the elimination of obstacles to the use of alternative energy
sources in both existing and new development. New development will be encouraged
to minimize the use of conventional energy for space heating and cooling, water
heating, and illumination by means of proper design and orientation, including the
provision and protection of solar exposure. The energy performance of existing
structures will be upgraded.
Through design standards, discretionary review, and public recognition of good
examples, the city will attempt to accelerate trends already underway in the
private sector to move individual properties and the community as a whole toward
energy self-sufficiency.
Means of transportation and communication which minimize energy use will be
encouraged.
Environmental review documents will provide sufficient detail and substantiation
when addressing potentially significant energy impacts of proposed projects. The
city will remain alert to alternatives which require less conventional energy.
In addition to keeping informed of energy-saving technology for its own use, the
city will help inform other prospective users of such innovations.
6
PROGRAMS
Programs to conserve energy have been grouped by four topics. Some programs will
obviously overlap these subject areas. A symbol preceeds each program statement.
These symbols indicate:
O This is a new program, or a significant departure from current practice.
Q This is partially in effect, part-way to being done, or a modification of an
existing program.
This is a continuation of a present program; it is already done or it has been
adopted by the city or mandated by a higher level of government.
Programs Involving City Operations and Properties
Q 1. The city will encourage alternatives to employee commuting by individual
drivers through such means as parking space allocation, ridesharing
coordination, and bus and car-pool incentives.
0 2. To encourage other downtown employees to car-pool and use public
transportation, the city will establish preferential parking locations and
rates for pool vehicles; all -day parking will be discouraged.
3. As city vehicles are replaced, new vehicles will be high -mileage models.
Q 4. Traffic flow will be enhanced by such means as synchronous and "smart"
signals, addition of turn lanes, and removal of curbside parking.
0 5. Mail and telephone contact will be substituted for travel whenever possible in
conducting city business; bicycles will be used for short trips.
0 6. Bicycle paths will be incorporated in new streets.and street widening
projects. Where sufficient right-of-way is available and bicycle and motor
traffic volume warrant, such paths will be separate from the roadway. In
other cases, they will be within the roadway but clearly striped or denoted by
different pavement color, and adjacent parking will be removed or limited to
off-peak hours.
0 7. Bicycle, moped, and motorcycle parking space will be provided at city parks
and buildings.
O 8. Lighting levels in city buildings will be maintained at minimum levels
sufficient for the activity being conducted; efficient lamps will be used.
a 9. The city will replace incandescent and flourescent outdoor lighting with more
efficient sources, such as sodium vapor illuminators.
0 10. New municipal facilities will be designed to make maximum feasible use of
passive heating and cooling as well as use of natural illumination. Heating
and lighting will be "zoned" to allow control in individual work areas.
7
Q 11. Solar water heating will be incorporated in new city facilities when
cost-effectiveness evaluations show a savings within the expected life of the
facility.
0 12. The city will gradually retrofit its facilities with solar water heating,
beginning with those, such as the swimming pool, where the most significant
savings are possible.
Q 13. The city will use methane from the sewage treatment plant for digester heating
and for mechanical energy within the plant, and will explore the feasibility
of selling excess or interruptible methane to utilities, commercial customers,
or for powering vehicles.
14. The city will proceed with plans for hydropower generation on the Salinas
Reservoir conduit.
Q 15. The city will make available wood from tree trimming and removal.
Q 16. The city will investigate the feasibility of wind -powered generation for its
own facilities which are suitably located, such as the sewage treatment plant
or water treatment plant, where prevailing winds and relatively low visibility
are conducive to tower installations.
Q 17. The city will participate in programs for recycling of such materials as
office paper and lubricating oil.
Q 18. The energy efficiency of major nonautomotive equipment will be evaluated when
purchases are made.
0 19. The city will insulate and weatherize its own facilities before and in a
manner similar to any requirements imposed on private properties.
20. The city will encourage SORT, Ecoslo, and other materials recycling programs
Q by participating and making space available for transfer activities.
21. The city will observe suggested thermostat settings.
Q 22. City staff and commission members involved in development review will be
educated in principles of energy-saving design.
Q 23. City staff involved in property management will be educated in energy
efficient practices.
Programs Involving Guidance and Information for Developers & Property Managers
Q 24. Retrofitting buildings with solar -assisted water heating systems will be
"minor and incidental" for purpose of ARC review and will be subject to staff
approval under criteria adopted by the ARC. (Within historic districts, such
projects would be referred to the ARC.)
8
Q 25. Architectural review guidelines will provide criteria for the appearance of
solar water heating systems in both new construction and retrofitting.
Criteria would include: mechanical, plumbing, and structural.components to be
the same color as the roof, a compatible color, or as part of an acceptable
overall color scheme, contrasting; if collector is not flush with roof, it
should match the roof plane as closely as possible and mounting racks should
be covered with roof or siding material or another compatible material, to
reduce awkward apperance; locate collector so as to minimize the need to trim
or remove trees; locate collectors between rather than outside the dominant
lines of the building or roof, as seen from the street or adjacent properties;
minimize visible piping; use glass with low reflection where significant glare
problems cannot be solved by location or orientation.
To the extent they are applicable, these criteria would apply to all active
and photovoltaic solar collectors.
Q 26. The Architectural Review Commission will play an expanded role in encouraging
energy-efficient project design by requiring designers to make conscious
choices and to justify proposals involving building location, orientation, and
form, as well as landscaping type and location. The goal of such review would
be projects which make maximum use of solar exposure, natural ventilation, and
passive means of reducing conventional energy demand, as opposed to designing
a particular image and relying on mechanical systems to maintain comfort. To
these ends, ARC guidelines and information submittal requirements will assist
applicants in preparing more self-sufficient projects.
Q 27. When developers first inquire about or submit applications for development and
building projects, they will be advised of sources of information on
energy-efficient design (such as utilities, trade and professional groups, and
published material).
28. The city will prepare generalized topographic and shading information for use
by developers contemplating solar projects within the city.
Q 29. The city will advise businesses of ways of reducing energy use while providing
adequte levels of lighting for security and sign visibility, including utility
companies' audit programs.
Q 30. The city will advise builders/remodellers of structural features which may
help with energy conservation and lower costs over building life (such as roof
frames which could be loaded with additional insulation or fire sprinkler
systems, and operable covers for frozen or refrigerated food sales).
Q 31. Developments will be encouraged to make available space for outdoor clothes
drying, and private restrictions against their use will be nullified.
9
Programs Involving Regulation of New Development.
Q 32. The design of subdivisions will protect solar exposure to the greatest extent
possible:
A. Within all new residential subdivisions, the longest dimension of each lot
should be oriented within 30 degrees of south, unless the subdivider
demonstrates that for certain lots any one of the following applies:
1. The lots are large enough to allow suitable building orientation
regardless of lot orientation;
2. Buildings will be constructed as part of the tract development, and
the buildings will be properly orientated, with adequate solar
exposure.
3. Topography makes variations from the prescribed orientation desirable
to reduce grading or tree removal or to take advantage of a setting
which would favor greater reliance on early morning or late afternoon
exposure.
4. Topographical conditions -- such as steep northerly -facing slope or
shading by the mass of a hill -- make solar energy use generally
infeasible;
5. The size of the subdivision combined with the existing orientation of
surrounding streets and lots preclude desirable lot -orientation.
B. Solar access easements will be created within all new subdivisions, as
provided in the Solar Rights Act (Cal. Gov. Code 66473.1, 66475.3),
unless:
1. The subdivision incorporates a building development plan which would
assure desirable solar access;
2. The subdivision contains a notation for additional yard or height
standards designed to assure desirable solar access, supplementary to
the zoning regulations, which would make a system of easements for
each lot unecessary;
3. Solar exposure will be adequately protected by the city's zoning
regulations.
33. The city will protect solar exposure for existing collectors and likely
locations of future collectors, both active and passive:
A.. When collectors are proposed as part of a development, the plan of that
development will be approved with conditions to assure that proposed
structures and vegetation will not shade collectors excessively.
B. Zoning regulations will protect solar exposure by controlling development
on adjacent properties. A generally acceptable level of solar exposure
will be protected in this way (see policies below). Additional protection
may be assured by recorded agreement among private properties.
10
Exceptions to the prohibition of shading of likely collector locations may
be made when:
1. the shading is an insignificant part of the total protected solar
exposure, in terms of area, time, or both;
2. structures on protected properties have an insignificant probability
of being modified or replaced, and likely collector locations are
sufficiently protected,in spite of shading that would normally be
unacceptable, or such structures already have adequately protected
collectors.
3. the shading is between lots in a subdivision for which a customized
system of solar access easements will provide an equivalent level of
protection;
4. use of solar energy is infeasible due to topographical conditions.
C. To these ends, additional permit information such as shadow plans may be
required as part of building permit or architectural review.
The following guidelines are intended to protect basic, long-term solar
exposure, regardless of proposed building form or use or nonuse of solar
collectors.
11
SOLAR ACCESS GUIDELINES
Land -use and Site Conditions
Conservation/open space and residential
uses up to about 6 units per acre, on
sites of one acre or more.
Conservation/open space and residential
uses up to about 6 units per acre on
sites of less than one acre.
Residential uses between 6 and 12
units per acre, office uses, and
neighborhood commercial uses, on sites
of one acre or more.
Residential uses between about 6 and
12 units' per acre, offices, and
neighborhood commercial uses, on
site less than 1 acre.
Residential uses at densities greater
than 12 units per acre, public
facilities, and general commercial
and industrial uses, in suburban and
newly subdivided areas.
Residential uses at densities greater
than 12 units per acre, public
facilities, and general commercial
and industrial uses within downtown
and other locations previously
subdivided into relatively small
lots.
Desirable Solar Access
All south walls and all roof areas
should be unshaded during midday
on the winter solstice..
Nearly all south walls and all
roof areas should be unshaded
during midday on the winter
solstice.
All roof areas, nearly all second -
story and most first -story south
walls should be unshaded during
midday on the winter solstice.
Most roof areas and most second -
story south walls should be
unshaded during midday on the
winter solstice.
All roof areas and most south
walls should be unshaded during
midday on the winter solstice.
Most roof areas and some south
walls on upper floors should be
unshaded during midday on the
winter solstice.
O 34. Solar water heating will be required for new swimming pools and hot tubs,
except where solar exposure is insufficient due to circumstances beyond the
control of the water user.
Note: Anyone proposing conventional heating of such facilities must provide
an insulting cover and must provide a life -cycle cost comparison
(Title 24, Cal. Admin. Code).
35. Shading by vegetation will be controlled by the California Solar Shade Control
Act. This act prohibits the placement of vegetation in locations which would
shade a solar collector on another's property. Those seeking permits for
solar systems will be advised to establish documentation of vegetation
existing at the time of their solar construction or installation.
12
0 36. The city's regulations will not prevent the location of individual
wind -powered generators, but they will be discouraged in favor of optimally
located generators of greater capacity, designed to serve major facilities,
neighborhoods, or the community as a whole.
Q-37. The zoning regulations will provide for alternative energy use in such ways
as:
A. Allow height exceptions for solar equipment like those for chimneys and
, screened mechanical equipment;
B. Allow components of alternative heating and cooling systems such as
collectors, shading louvers, or reflectors, to project into yards in a
manner similar to cornices, canopies, and so on.
C. Include solar heating systems and cogeneration facilities explicitly in
the definition of accessory use.
Q 38. Architectural review guidelines will stipulate major commercial construction
and remodelling should include cost-effective measures to reduce unwanted heat
gain (devices such as landscaping, awnings, or louvers).
39. Land -use plans and zoning regulations will encourage concentrations of
residences in conjunction with or close to concentrations of employment,
services, and public transportation routes.
0 40. Zoning regulations will provide for home occupations which are compatible with
residential neighborhoods and which will reduce residence -to -work trips.
041. Zoning regulations will provide for neighborhood convenience shopping and
services.
042. The zoning regulations will require bicycle and motorcycle parking spaces in
proportion to overall parking requirements and demand likely to be generated
by various uses.
43. The zoning regulations will provide for a large share of compact -car parking
spaces, to be located most conveniently to user destinations where the size of
the parking facility warrants.
0 44. Approval of major new commercial and residential projects will be conditioned
on inclusion of programs such as informing residents/employees of car-pool and
bus information; "free" bus passes for the first month after occupancy, and
similar measures designed to foster energy saving travel habits at the time
such habits are most susceptible to change.
45. The zoning regulations will provide wide design flexibility and incentives for
projects demonstrating an exceptional degree of energy self-sufficiency.
Q 46. Street -tree regulations will be flexible enough to allow desirable landscaping
without obstructing solar access. The location, height, spread, and seasonal
opacity of trees will be considered when street tree planting is proposed, and
waivers and substitution allowances will be used to achieve optimum use of
trees on development sites and adjacent public rights-of-way.
13
0 47. The city will advocate modifications in statewide building requirements
which set unecessarily high standards for performance of residential space
heating systems, thereby requiring duplication of alternative and conventional
heating in most new construction.
0 48. The city will administer its own building regulations to minimize design and
permit expense, for example, for roof -mounted solar collectors where typical
collector weight can be supported by typical structures.
Programs Involving Information for the General Public
4 49. The city will publicize energy conservation and substitution efforts and
results by such means as the City Newsletter.
50. The city will make available space for community gatherings for groups
advocating, demonstrating, or assisting with energy conservation and
substitution.
14
9.00
DRMF-F
ENERGY .ELEMENT
OF THE GENERAL PLAN
JANUARY 1981
s;-80
city of
san lui s
OBISPO
CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.
Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Goals and Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Programs:
City Operations & Procedures . . . . . . 7
Guidance and Information for
Developers & Property Managers . . . . 8
Regulation of New Development . . . . . . 10
Information for the General Public . . . . 13
INTRODUCTION
Background
In November 1979 the San Luis Obispo City Council called upon the Planning
Commission to develop an energy conservation element for the city's general
plan. The council also resolved that energy conservation and the use of re-
newable energy sources are high priority activities and they should be incor-
porated in both public and private projects. A first draft of the energy
element was submitted to the commission and other interested parties in.Jan-
uary 1980. Whil<hat draft was never formally considered by the Planning
Commission, it wa's discussed by the city's Architectural Review Commission.
Citizen's Advisory Committee, and a special Energy Element Advisory Committee.
This draft of the Energy Element has been prepared by planning staff to reflect
the recommendations of the advisory committee. .
The Situation
Energy is the ability to do work --to produce change in the characteristics of
inanimate and living material. It has been called the "true currency" of
economic and ecological systems because it is the fundamental, measurable
means of exchange, necessary for all living and mechanical activities. While
energy represented by all its forms remains abundant, several types of fuel
which have been taken more -or -less for granted over the last 50 years are .
becoming relatively more scarce, more costly, and less reliable.
People have been using dramatically more energy each generation since the
industialization of western Europe began about 200 years ago. Most of the
energy use has been like drawing on a bank account without making deposits --we
have been depleting a limited supply of what was once solar energy, stored in
our planet as wood, coal, oil and natural gas.
Much of the energy used in the United States is imported, making us vulnerable
to political and economic disruptions elsewhere in the world. Energy -exporting
nations are realizing that, to a great degree, importers have had the better
part of the deal, receiving the "true currency" in exchange for "promissory
notes." Average energy use per person in this country is about twice that in
some other countries with more harsh climates and equal or higher material
living standards.
The total costs of developing additional domestic energy sources are not completely
reflected in our present fuel and utility bills. The environmental damage from
strip mines, offshore oil drilling, power plants, and nuclear waste.disoosal sites
and marine terminals for fossil fuels are often not felt by the general consumer
of energy." -Also, construction of new power plans requires investment capital
which could"be used in other areas, to meet other needs and create additional
employment opportunities: housing, agriculture, energy conservation. These
undesirable environmental and economic consequences of increased energy
production may be reduced, postponed, and in some cases eliminated by conser-
vation and substitution of cleaner, renewable energy sources.
The economy, climate, and location of San Luis Obispo make possible significant
savings in energy use through readily available means. San Luis Obispo's economy
is based on services: education, government, health care, finance, retail
trade, and meals, lodging, and entertainment. These activities use energy
primarily for heating, cooling, illumination, and personal transportation, uses
1
"`t
which are amenable to many simple, inexpensive conservation measures. The city's
latitude and climate minimize the need for space heating and cooling in properly
designed structures and offer abundant sunshine and air movement for natural
heating and cooling.
Many city residents are aware and supportive of the need for a deliberate transi-
tion from scarce, hazardous, and nonrenewable energy sources to more plentiful, be-
nign., renewable sources. The industries, institutions, and residents of the
community could be an important source of talent in carrying out this transition.
N
0
GLOSSARY
The following terms are used either in this document or are likely to be
used in its revisions or implementing programs.
Active solar energy system means a system which requires mechanical energy
from an external source to move collected heat to a place of use or storage,
such as a pump -circulated water heating system. These are sometimes called
"indirect" systems when used to heat space in a building.
Alternative energy source means a source of energy other than what are
currently considered "conventional" sources. Alternative sources include
wind, sunlight, conversion of biomass (plant matter or animal waste) to heat
or fuel, or the use of energy which would otherwise be wasted in a conventional
system, such as cogeneration or recovery of waste heat.
Cogeneration means the use of energy -producing capacity which would other-
wise be lost to generate useable energy --usually electricity-- for consump-
tion by either the producer or, through public utility systems, general
customers.
Conservation means the use of less energy in any form than would otherwise occur.
It may be accomplished by greater efficiency -- for example, more miles per
gallon -- or reduced activity -- for example, going to a nearby park instead
of a distant park.
Conventional_ energy source includes oil, natural gas, or coal (fossil fuels),
nucl—ear energy, an ydroelectric power from water impounded for that purpose.
Ener means the capacity to change the characteristics of a material, most often
its location or temperature. Most units for measuring energy are based on
the amount required to increase the temperature of a given mass a certain
number of degrees (British thermal units -- BTU's -- and calories). Generally,
energy is either "kinetic" -- meaning in motion -- or "potential" -- waiting
to be used. In the realm of daily life energy is never really used up, only
changed from a more useful state to a less useful state, with all forms
eventually dissipating as heat. Other forms of energy include radiant
(propagated by waves, such as sunlight), mechanical (inherent in motion, as
in a spinning flywheel) chemical (as in the bonds holding carbohydrates
together, released when wood is burned or food is used in the body), and
nuclear (as in the bonds holding components of atoms together). Electricity
has been a convenient form of energy to transform and transport.
Hybrid system means a solar energy system which combines features of both active
and passive systems, such as a thermal mass warmed directly by sunlight which
may heat spaces by passive radiation and convection or by air circulation
actively aided by fans.
Insolation means the total direct, difuse, and reflected sunlight striking
a surface.
Insulation means a material or the property of a material which resists the
flow of heat from one place to another. Governmental codes and manufacturers'
specifications use a measure called the "R -value" for this property. The
higher the value, the greater the resistance to heat conduction.
3
Life -cycle cost means the total cost of buying and operating a building or
a piece of equipment over its useful life.
Passive solar energy system --sometimes called a "dnrect" system-- means a
design which uses landscape and architectural features to collect and
store energy directly, without any external, mechanical power source.
Such systems are nearly always used for heating or cooling space within
a building. Many passive systems work best with some management by the
occupant, such as.opening windows or closing curtains.
Peak demand means the highest rate of demand over a short term, compared to
es�rates of demand over a longer interval. Peak demand may come at
a certain hour of the day or a season of the year. It is called "peak"
because a graph of energy units used vs. time reaches a peak at that point.
Energy -producing and transportation facilities are often built to accomodate
peaks, at great expense compared to sizing for average demand.
Performance standard means a definite level of performance., such as maximum
energy use or eating per square foot of building. Regulations based on
performance standards make the designer responsible for choosing the best
method of complying.
Photovoltaic means a device or system for converting sunlight directly to
electricity. Such "solar cells" were first used in sateilites and remote
communication equipment.
Prescriptive standards establish one or more specific means of achieving a
general levelof performance, such as requiring certain amounts of insulation.
Renewable energy source means a type of energy which is more or less continually
Tiowing from source to potential user, such as sunlight, wind, tidal and
wave action, growing plants, geologic heat, and difference between temperature
of layers of ocean water. Nonrenewable sources include stocks of coal, oil,
gas, uranium ore, and intermediate sources derived from them. (The nuclear
"breeder reactor" would in a sense be a renewable source once it is successfully
established along with a fuel and waste processing cycle).
Retrofit means to install a system or devices in an existing building. or
vehicle.
Solar access means exposure of a solar collector or passive system to the amount
anon duration of sunlight necessary for the successful operation of the system.
"Solar skyspace" -- a nearly synonymous term -- means the space between a
solar collector and the sun which must be sufficiently free of shading
obstructions.
Solar collector means a device which transforms sunlight striking it into another
form of energy, such as heat, electricity, or chemical potential.
Substitution means the replacement of one form of energy by another, as when
Fossil replaced animals for farm work and transportation,, or when solar
energy rather than natural gas is used to heat water.
4
Thermal mass means a'solid or liquid mass which absorbs, stores, and releases
Feat electively, such as a tank of water or masonry wall which is warmed
by sunlight and which gives off its heat at night.
Weatherization means sealing a structure and its heating and cooling systems to
prevent energy waste through unwanted air leakage.
Winter solstice means the day -- usually December 21 -- when the sun is lowest in
the sout ern sky and the priod of daylight is shortest. (The summer solstice.
is the day when the sun is at its most northern position at noon and the
period of daylight is longest. It occurs June 21.)
61
GOALS AND POLICIES
San Luis Obispo will achieve broad public awareness of citizen's roles in
causing and solving energy problems. Overall energy consumption will be
reduced by eliminating frivolous uses and making more efficient use of
energy in essential activities, with the goal of reducing average conventional
energy use per person in 1995 to about 60% of 1980 consumption.
The City will provide leadership for the county as a whole in both energy
conservation and the substitution of alternative for conventional energy
sources.
The City will concentrate its efforts in areas with the greatest potential
benefit: (1) its own properties and operations and (2) relationships among
parties in the private sector.
The City will set an example for energy conservation and the use of renewable
sources in its own facilities and operations. The materials purchasing, use,
and recycling activities of the City will recognize indirect energy -use consequences.
The City's intervention in the private sector will focus on areas where
typical performance laqs behind what is technically and economically feas-
ible. First priority will be the elimination of obstacles to the use of
alternative energy sources in both existing and new development. New
development will be encouraged to minimize the use -of conventional energy
for space heating and cooling, water heating, and illumination by means of
proper design and orientation, including the provision and protection of
solar exposure. The energy performance of existing structures will be upgraded.
Through design standards, discretionary review, and public recognition of
good examples, the City will attempt to accelerate trends already underway
in the private sector to move individual properties and the community as a
whole toward energy self-sufficiency.
Means of transportation and communication which minimize energy use will be
encouraged.
Environmental review documents will provide sufficient detail and sub-
stantiation when addressing potentially significant energy impacts of pro-
posed projects. The City will remain alert to alternatives which require less
conventional energy.
In addition to keeping informed of energy-saving technology for its own use,
the city will help inform other prospective users of such innovations.
2
L
PROGRAMS
Programs to conserve energy have been grouped by four topics. Some programs
will obviously overlap these subject areas. A symbol preceeds each program
statement. These symbols indicate:
0 This is a new program, or a significant departure from current practice.
Q This is partially in effect, part-way to being done, or a modification of
an existing program.
This is a continuation of a present program; it is already done or it has
been adopted by the city or mandated by a higher level of government.
Programs Involving City Operations and Properties
® 1. The City will encourage alternatives to employee commuting by individual
drivers through such means as parking space allocation, ridesharing coordin-
ation, and bus and car-pool incentives.
® 2. To encourage other downtown employees to car-pool and use public transport-
ation, the City will establish preferential parking locations and rates for
pool vehicles; all -day parking will be discouraged.
0 3. As City vehicles are replaced, new vehicles will be high -mileage models.
Q 4. Traffic flow will be enhanced by such means as synchronous and "smart"
signals, addition of turn lanes, and removal of curbside parking.
Q 5. Mail and telephone contact will be substituted for travel whenever possible
in conducting City business; bicycles will be used for short trips.
® 6. Bicycle paths will be incorparated in new streets and street widening
projects. Where sufficient righ-of-way is available and bicycle and
motor traffic volume warrant, such paths will be separate from the road-
way. In other cases, they will be within the roadway but clearly striped
or denoted by different pavement color, and adjacent parking will be
removed or limited to off-peak hours.
® 7. Bicycle,, moped, and motorcycle parking space will be provided at City parks
and buildings.
Q 8. Lighting levels in City buildings will be maintained at minimum levels
sufficient for the activity being conducted; efficient lamps will be used.
® 9. The City will replace incandescent and flourescent outdoor lighting with
more efficient sources, such as sodium vapor illuminators.
0 10. New municipal facilities will be designed to make maximum feasible use of
passive heating and cooling as well as use of natural illumination. Heating
and lighting will be "zoned" to allow control in individual work areas.
0 11. Solar water heating will be incorporated in new City facilities when cost-
effectiveness evaluations show a savings within the expected life of the
facility.
7
0 12. The City will gradually retrofit its facilities with solar water heating,
beginning with those, such as the swimming pool, where the most significant
savings are possible.
Q 13. The City will use methane from the sewage treatment plant for digester
heating and for mechanical energy within the plant, and will explore the
feasibility of selling excess or interruptible methane to utilities,
commercial customers, or for powering vehicles.
14. The City will proceed with plans for hydropower generation on the Salinas
Reservoir conduit.
Q 15. The City will make available wood from tree trimming and removal.
0 16. The City will investigate the feasibility of wind -powered generation
for its own facilities which are suitably located, such as the sewage
treatment plant or water treatment plant, where prevailing winds and
relatively low visibility are conducive to tower installations.
Q 17. The City will participate in programs for recycling of such materials as
office paper and lubricating oil.
18. The energy efficiency of major nonautomotive equipment will be evaluated
when purchases are made.
Q 19. The City will insulate and weatherize its own facilities before and in a
manner similar to any requirements imposed on private properties.
Q 20. The City will encourage SORT, Ecoslo, and other materials recycling pro-
grams by participating and making space available for transfer activities.
® 21. The City will observe suggested thermostat settings.
® 22. City staff and commission members involved in development review will be
educated in principles of energy-saving design.
Q 23. City staff involved in property management will be educated in energy
efficient practices.
Programs Involving Guidance and Information for Developers & Property Managers
Q 24` Retrofitting buildings with solar -assisted water heating systems
will be "minor and incidental" for purpose of ARC review and will be
subject to staff approval under criteria adopted by the ARC. (Within
historic districts, such projects would be referred to the ARC.)
0
0
Q 25. Architectural review guidelines will provide criteria for the design of
solar water heating systems in both new construction and retrofitting.
Criteria would include: mechanical, plumbing, and structural components
to be the same color as the roof, a compatible color, or as part of an
acceptable overall color scheme, contrasting; if collector is not flush with
roof, it should match the roof plane as closely as possible and mounting
racks should be covered with roof or siding material or another compatible
material, to reduce awkward appearance; locate collector so as to minimize
the need to trim or remove trees; locate collectors between rather than
outside the dominant lines of the building or roof, as seen from the street
or adjacent properties; minimize visible piping; use glass with low reflection
where significant glare problems cannot be solved by location or orientation.
To the extent they are applicable, these criteria would apply to all active
and photoelectric solar collectors.
Q 26. The Architectural Review Commission will play an expanded role in encouraging
energy-efficient project design by requiring designers to make conscious
choices and to justify proposals involving building location, orientation,
and form, as well as landscaping type and location. The goal of such review
would be projects which make maximum use of solar exposure, natural ventilation,
and passive means of reducing conventional energy demand, as opposed to
designing a particular image and relying on mechanical systems to maintain
comfort. To these ends, ARC guidelines and information submittal requirements
will assist applicants in preparing more self-sufficient projects.
Q 27. When developers first inquire about or submit applications for development
and building projects, they will be advised of .sources of information on
energy-efficient design (such as utilities, trade and professional groups,
and published material).
® 28. The City will prepare generalized topographic and shading information for
use by developers contemplating solar projects within the city.
Q 29. The City will advise businesses of ways of reducing energy use while
providing adequate levels of lighting for security and sign visibility,
including utility companies' audit programs.
Q 30. The City will advise builders/remodellers of structural features which
may help with energy conservation and lower costs over building life (such
as roof frames which could be loaded with additional insulation or fire
sprinkler systems, and operable covers for frozen or refrigerated food
sales).
Q 31. Developments will be encouraged to make available space for outdoor clothes
drying, and private restrictions against their use will be nullified.
Programs Involving Regulation of New Development
Q 32. The design of subdivisions will protect solar exposure to the greatest extent
possible:
- Within all new subdivisions, the longest dimension of all lots should be
oriented within 30 degrees of south, unless the subdivider demonstrates
that for certain lots:
* The lots are large enough to allow suitable building orientation regard-
less of lot orientation;
* Buildings will be constructed as part of the tract development, and the
buildings themselves will be properly oriented, with adequate solar
exposure;
* Topography makes variations from the prescribed orientation desirable
to reduce grading or tree removal or to take advantage of a setting
which would favor greater reliance on early morning or late afternoon
exposure, or topographical conditions make solar energy use generally
infeasible;
* The size of the subdivision combined with the existing orientation of
surrounding streets and lots precludes desirable orientation.
- Solar access easements will be created within all new subdivisions, as pro-
vided in the Solar Rights Act (Cal. Gov. Code 66473.1, 66475.3), unless:
* The subdivision incorporates a building development plan which would
assure desirable solar access;
* The subdivision contains a notation for additional yard or height standards
designed to assure desirable solar access, supplementary to the zoning
regulations, which would make a system of easements for each lot unecessary;
* Solar exposure will be adequately protected by the city's zoning regulations.
33. The City will protect solar exposure for existing collectors and likely
locations of future collectors, both active and passive:
- When collectors are proposed as part of a development, the plan of that
development will be approved with conditions to assure that proposed
structures and vegetation will not shade collectors excessively.
- Zoning regulations will protect solar exposure by controlling development
on adjacent properties. A generally acceptable level of solar exposure
will be protected in this way (see policies below). Additonal protection
may be assured by recorded agreement among private properties, filed with
the City's Community Development Department.
Exceptions to the prohibition of shading of likely collector locations
may be made when:
* the shading is an insignificant part of the total protected solar
exposure, in .terms of area, time, or both:;
Ito]
li
33 (con't)* structures on protected properties have an insignificant probability of
being modified or replaced, and likely collector locations are sufficiently
protected in spite of shading that would normally be unacceptable,
or such structures already have adequately protected collectors.
* the shading is between lots in a subdivision for which a customized
system of solar access easements will provide an equivalent level of
protection;
* use of solar energy is infeasible due to topographical conditions.
- To these ends, additional permit information such as shadow plans may be
required as part of building permit or architectural review.
SOLAR ACCESS STANDARDS
Land -use and Site Conditions Desirable Solar Access
Agriculture/conservation and residential
uses up to about six units per acre; on.
sites of one acre or more.
Agriculture/conservation and residential
uses up to about six units per acre on
sites of less than one acre.
Residential uses between six and 12 units
per acre, office uses, and neighborhood
commercial uses, on sites of one acre or
more.
All south walls and all roof areas should
be unshaded during midday on the winter
solstice.
Most south walls and all roof areas should.
be unshaded during midday on the winter
solstice.
All roof areas and most second -story south
walls should be unshaded during midday on
the winter solstice.
Residential uses between about 6 and 12 Most roof areas should be unshaded and some
units per acre, offices, and neighborhood second -story south walls should be unshaded
commercial uses, on sites less than one acre. during midday on the winter solstice.
Residential uses at densities greater than
12 units per acre, public facilities,
general commercial and industrial areas,
in suburban and newly subdivided areas.
All roof areas and some south walls should
be unshaded during midday on the winter
solstice.
Residential uses at densities greater Most roof areas and some south walls an
than 12 units per acre, public facilities upper floors should be unshaded during
and general commercial and industrial midday on the winter solstice.
areas within downtown and other locations
previously subdivided into relatively
small lots.
O 34. Solar water heating will be required for new swimming pools and hot tubs,
except where solar exposure is insufficient due to circumstances beyond the
control of the water user.
Note: Anyone proposing conventional heating of such facilities must pro-
vide an insulating cover and must obtain a bid from an installer of
solar hot-water systems, including a life -cycle cost comparison
(Title 24, Cal. Admin. Code).
Q 35_ Shading by vegetation will be controlled by the California Solar Shade
Control Act. The City will prosecute substantiated violations brought to
its attention pursuant to that Act (Public Resources Code Section 25980 and
following). Those seeking permits for solar systems will be advised to
establish documentation of vegetation existing at the time of their solar
construction or installation.
11
36. The City's regulations will not prevent the location of individual
wind -powered generators, but they will be discouraged in favor of
optimally located generators of greater capacity, designed to serve
major facilities, neighborhoods, or the community as a whole.
37• The zoning regulations will provide.for alternative energy use in such ways
as:
- Allow height exceptions for solar equipment like those for chimneys
and screened mechanical equipment;
- Allow components of alternative heating and cooling systems such as
collectors, shading louvers, or reflectors, to project into yards in a
manner similar to cornices, canopies, and so on.
- Include solar heating systems and cogeneration facilities explicitly in
the definition of accessory use.
Q 38. Architectural review guidelines will stipulate major commercial construction
and remodelling should include cost-effective measures to reduce unwanted
heat gain (devices such as landscaping, awnings, orlouvers).
® 39• Land -use plans and zoning regulations will encourage concentrations of
residences in conjunction with or close to concentrations of employment,
services, and public transportation routes.
40. Zoning regulations will provide for home occupations which are compatible
with residential neighborhoods and which will reduce residence -to -work
trips.
41. Zoning regulations will provide for neighborhood convenience shopping and
services.
® 42. The zoning regulations will require bicycle and motorcycle parking spaces in
proportion to overall parking requirements and demand likely to be generated
by various uses.
0 43. The zoning regulations will provide for a large share of compact -car
parking spaces, to be located most conveniently to user destinations where
the size of the parking facility warrants.
Q 44. Approval of major new commercial and residential projects will be conditioned
on inclusion of programs such as informing residents/employees of car-pool
and bus information, "free" bus passes for the first month after occupancy,
and similar measures designed to foster energy saving travel habits at the
time such habits are most susceptible to change.
0 45. The zoning regulations will provide wide design flexibility and incentives
for projects demonstrating an exceptional degree of energy self-sufficiency.
12
Q 46. Street -tree regulations will be flexible enough to allow desirable landscaping
without obstructing solar access. The location, height, spread, and seasonal
opacity of trees will be considered when street tree planting is proposed,
and waivers and substitution allowances will be used to achieve optimum use
of trees on development sites and adjacent public rights-of-way.
47. The City will advocate modifications in statewide building requirements
which set unecessarily high standards for performance of residential space
heating systems, thereby requiring duplication_of alternative and
conventional heating in most new construction.
248, The City will adminsiter its own building regulations to minimize design
and permit expense, for example, for roof -mounted solar collectors where
typical collector weight can be supported by typical structures.
Programs Involving Information for the General Public
® 49. The City will publicize energy conservation and substitution efforts and results
by such means as the City Newsletter.
® 50. The City will make available space for community gatherings for groups
advocating, demonstrating, or assisting with energy conservation and
substitution.
13