§ 16-40.080. Photovoltaic energy generation system required for newly constructed single-family dwellings.

A.

Purpose. The provisions of this section are intended to promote the conservation of natural resources and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the requirement to install photovoltaic energy generation systems on all newly constructed single family dwellings.

B.

When required. All newly constructed single-family dwellings require the installation of a photovoltaic energy generation system with the capacity described in subsection C. below. This requirement does not apply to "remodel" projects as described in subsection 16-52.020K. that qualify as "new construction", as defined by section 16-100.020N., but applies only to new single-family dwellings; e.g., those proposed to be constructed from the ground up.

C.

Required system size. The minimum size of a photovoltaic energy generation system required under this section may be calculated using either of the following methods:

1.

Prescriptive method. The minimum system size utilizing the prescriptive method is two watts per square foot of gross floor area of the building. Watts are calculated using the nameplate rating of the photovoltaic system. There shall be no considerations for performance factors, such as tilt, orientation, shading or tariffs.

2.

Performance method. The system sizing for the performance method shall be calculated using modeling software or other methods approved by the building official. The total building load, including all gross floor area, shall be calculated in kilowatt hours. The system annual output shall be calculated by factoring in system orientation, tilt, shading, local weather conditions and equipment efficiency. The system shall offset at least seventy-five percent of the electrical load of the building on an annual basis.

Methods of renewable electrical energy production other than photovoltaic energy generation systems for the new dwelling, including, but not limited to, use of renewable resources or installation of new photovoltaic energy generation systems for in-ground swimming pools, may be included or substituted in satisfying the total requirement for the new dwelling and its appurtenant structures and facilities.

D.

Exception. The design review board may grant an exception to the requirements of this section if it makes affirmative findings that there would be an unusual or severe practical difficulty in the installation of the required photovoltaic energy generation system due to physical circumstances, including building location or orientation, site topography and/or shading resulting from topography or other physical conditions on or off the subject site. In granting the exception, the board may require enrollment of the dwelling unit in the Marin Clean Energy "deep green" program or participation in other alternative energy solutions.

E.

Proof of compliance. Prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the owner of record or his agent shall certify in writing that the required photovoltaic energy generation system is operational, and the building official or designee shall verify compliance prior to final sign-off of the building permit.

F.

Applicability. This section shall not be applicable to site plan and architectural review applications that have been deemed complete for processing purposes by the planning division prior to March 20, 2015. The town council shall review this section for continuing applicability no later than March 31, 2017.

(Ord. No. 554 N.S. , § 2(C), 2-18-2015)