City of Boulder - Solar Access Ordinance (Colorado)

Last modified on February 12, 2015.

Rules Regulations Policies Program

Place	Boulder, Colorado
Name	City of Boulder - Solar Access Ordinance
Incentive Type	Solar/Wind Access Policy
Applicable Sector	Construction, Residential
Eligible Technologies	Passive Solar Space Heat, Photovoltaics, Solar Space Heat, Solar Thermal Electric, Solar Water Heat
Active Incentive	Yes
Implementing Sector	Local
Energy Category	Renewable Energy Incentive Programs
Website	http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/files/PDS/codes/solrshad.pdf
Date added to DSIRE	2001-02-02
Last DSIRE Review	2012-07-23
References	DSIRE

Summary

The City of Boulder's solar access ordinance guarantees access, or "solar fences," to sunlight for homeowners and renters in the city. This is done by setting limits on the amount of permitted shading by new construction. A solar access permit is available to those who have installed or who plan to install a solar energy system and need more protection than is provided by the ordinance. For new developments, all units which are not planned to incorporate solar features must be sited to provide good solar access and not shade adjacent structures. They must also have roofs capable of supporting at least 75 square feet of solar collectors per dwelling unit. Non-residential buildings have similar requirements for siting. When applying for a permit, a simple shadow analysis must be submitted to the city’s building department.

Incentive Contact

Contact Name	Customer Service
Department	City of Boulder
Division	Building Services Center
Address	P.O. Box 791
Address 2	1739 Broadway, Third Floor
Place	Boulder, Colorado
Zip/Postal Code	80306
Phone	(303) 441-1880
Website	http://www.boulderplandevelop.net

Authorities (Please contact the if there are any file problems.)

Authority 1:	Municipal Code of Boulder 9-9-17

• Incentive and policy data are reviewed and approved by the N.C. Solar Center's DSIRE project staff.