Chapter 16.145 — SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

The City of Claremont has adopted a policy of encouraging the use of solar energy for space heating and cooling, for water heating, and for electricity. It is the intent of this chapter to make possible the successful use of solar energy by permitting the use of solar energy systems in all zones as a matter of right and by protecting solar access to such systems. (08-05)

Solar energy systems are a permitted use within all zones, whether as part of a structure or incidental to one or more structures. The use of solar energy systems is subject to the restraints imposed by the zoning limitations of this title, by existing vegetation, buildings, walls, fences, and other structures, and by diversity of topography. (08-05)

No building permit shall be issued if the proposed building, wall, fence, or other structure shall shade more than 10 percent of the absorption area of an existing solar energy system located on any other property between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on December 21, unless one or more of the following conditions exist:

• A. The building, wall, fence, or other structure is located more than 45 degrees off true south of the property on which the solar energy system is located.

• B. The property owner would be prevented from constructing a single story building not exceeding 10 feet in building height on the property for which the building permit is sought, if such building cannot be designed or located to avoid casting a shadow of more than 10 percent of the absorption area of an existing solar energy system located on any other property between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on December 21.

• (08-05)