City of Eugene - Solar Standards (Oregon)

Last modified on February 12, 2015.

Rules Regulations Policies Program

Place	Oregon
Name	City of Eugene - Solar Standards
Incentive Type	Solar/Wind Access Policy
Applicable Sector	Residential, Lowest Density Subdivision Development
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
Date added to DSIRE	2001-02-02
Last DSIRE Review	2012-10-22
Last Substantive Modification to Summary by DSIRE	2011-11-22
References	DSIRE

Summary

Solar Standards

The purpose of Eugene's Solar Standards, as described in sections 9.2780 through 9.2795 of the City of Eugene's City Code, is to create lot divisions, layouts and building configurations in a manner that is conducive to the availability of solar energy on one- and two-family dwellings. The goal is to promote the use of solar energy and to minimize shading of buildings by other buildings.

Solar Lot Standards

Solar lot standards apply to the creation of lots within subdivisions in R-1 and R-2 zones. In these zones, at least 70% of the lots in a subdivision must be designed as "solar lots" and need to meet certain standards. There are exemptions granted to the solar lot standards for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, topography, vegetation, conflicting city plans and density.

Solar Setback Standards

Solar setback standards apply to all structures on R-1 and R-2 zoned lots that are 4,000 square feet or greater, with a minimum north-south dimension of 75 feet. Buildings are required to be setback from the northern property line in accordance with the section of the code that addresses this issue. An applicant for a development permit for a building subject to these standards must submit verification on a form approved by the city manager that shows either the solar setback or how the structure qualifies for an exemption. If buildings on separate lots are attached or connected at a common lot line, the solar setback standards apply as if the buildings are a single building on a single lot composed of both lots.

Incentive Contact

Contact Name	Mike McKerrow
Department	City of Eugene
Division	Building and Permit Services Division
Address	Atrium - 99 W. 10th
Place	Eugene, Oregon
Zip/Postal Code	97401
Phone	(541) 682-5251
Email	Mike.J.MCKERROW@ci.eugene.or.us
Website	http://www.eugene-or.gov/

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

Authority 1:	City of Eugene City Codes Section 9.2780

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