Georgia Model Solar Ordinance

Transcription

1 Georgia Model Solar Ordinance Preview Webinar PRESENTED BY: JULY 26, 2018 DAN GELLER UGA RICH SIMMONS GT CAROLINE REISER EMORY

2 Ground Rules o We will present for approximately 35 minutes and use the rest of our time for questions. o We will answer as many questions as time allows at the end of the presentation. o If you have a question please submit it using the Q&A panel at any time. o We will not identify who asked each question. o If your question is not answered online please submit it to draftmso@gatech.edu and we will do our best to answer it. o Our discussion will provide a broad overview of the process we used to develop the Model Solar Ordinance and brief discussion of some of its provisions.

3 Agenda o Introductions o Need, Objectives, and Process o The Model Ordinance o Finishing Up

4 The University Team Dan Geller Mindy Goldstein Mary Hallisey Kerri Metz Marcela Moreno Jason Perry Caroline Reiser Richard Simmons UGA Emory GT GT GT UGA Emory GT

5 Agenda o Introductions o Need, Objectives, and Process o The Model Ordinance o Finishing Up

6 The Need for Smart Growth of Solar o Increase in capacity in Georgia solar has been growing rapidly o But many counties and cities could benefit from additional resources to help assess solar zoning and associated land use o Informed zoning and siting tools and references facilitate effective growth of solar throughout Georgia

7 Objective Provide a toolkit of best practices to zone and help site solar in a way that will balance diverse interests and facilitate solar development o Develop model ordinance language Based upon: best practice, existing ordinances, and stakeholder input o Develop an accompanying guide with additional data and information o Create and maintain an online repository for stakeholders in Georgia

8 Guiding Principles and Approach o Engage stakeholders through open, fact-based discourse o Understand the range of views and issues o Do not require consensus o Provide a range of alternatives o Do not advocate for a given cause or outcome o Conduct an academically rigorous and transparent effort that draws upon the insights of informed experts and stakeholders o Elected officials are ultimately responsible, they may or may not draw upon this work

9 Timeline April October 2017 August 2017 November 2017 December 2017 February 2018 February April 2018 May June 2018 July 2018 University team coordination initial scoping, planning, and research. Draft Template published. Pre-brief meeting held. Initial feedback on Draft Model Ordinance Outline & Excerpts gathered. Draft Model Ordinance published. Stakeholder meetings convened. Feedback on the Draft Model Ordinance gathered. Model Ordinance and Guide finalized, taking into account stakeholder input. Final Model Ordinance and Guide published.

10 Research Team Process Conducted background research on solar energy systems Study Engage Obtained stakeholder review and feedback Reflected on comments, conduct additional research, make substantive changes Improve

11 University Effort o Emory, Georgia Tech, and UGA collectively logged: More than 1,200 total hours by faculty and staff More than 575 total hours by students o Emory, Georgia Tech, and UGA referenced: 16 model solar ordinances 34 existing and proposed Georgia solar ordinances Hundreds of additional guides, whitepapers, and articles o Emory, Georgia Tech, and UGA collectively held over 65 meetings: Internal meetings Public meetings One-on-one meetings with stakeholders o These efforts were entirely voluntary and pro bono

12 Circulated the Draft Model Ordinance to and Met with Hundreds of Stakeholders

13 Catalogued and Processed Thousands of Oral and Written Comments *Individual names have been removed

14 Agenda o Introductions o Need, Objectives, and Process o The Model Ordinance o Finishing Up

15 What is a Zoning Ordinance? A ZONING ORDINANCE CAN o Define what size and type of solar facilities can be located in different parts of the county or city o Provide facility setbacks and height limitations o Protect against nuisance and aesthetics concerns o Define and prescribe site plan requirements A ZONING ORDINANCE CANNOT o Alter existing facilities o Resolve issues related to taxes and tariffs o Address every legal barrier to solar facilities o Address state and federal permitting requirements o Prescribe individual lease or finance terms

16 Disclaimer o This is a model document that should be voluntarily adapted and adopted o It should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Guide o Solar energy systems can and should be treated no differently than similar land uses

17 The Model Ordinance and Guide o Preamble o Definitions o Permitted Use Districts o Solar Energy Systems Article Applicability Requirements for Integrated Requirements for Rooftop Requirements for Ground Mounted Special Use Permit

18 Definitions Solar Energy System

19 Small: Less than 1 5 acres Intermediate: Between and acres Large: More than acres Definitions Solar Energy System Sizes

20 Setbacks

21 Permitting

22 Visual Buffer

23 Decommissioning

24 Agenda o Introductions o Need, Objectives, and Process o The Model Ordinance o Finishing Up

25 Publishing July 30 The Model Ordinance and Guide will be available online at:

26 Intermission 5 minute break before we open the floor for questions

27 Questions? Contact us: