Posted by Solar panels, wind turbines, eco-roofs, water cisterns and more will be easier to install under new rules.
A package of amendments that includes many green items goes to Portland’s City Council on Jan. 6, 2010. The new rules will make it easier to install solar panels, wind turbines, eco-roofs, rain or grey water cisterns, and mechanisms that produce energy from compost, hydropower and other sustainable sources.
“As we strive to become the greenest city in the country, we need to comb through our development codes to find ways to help people choose these types of improvements.” said Mayor Sam Adams. “Sometimes the best thing the City can do to encourage green energy is to get out of the way.”
The package of amendments prepared by the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is part of Regulatory Improvement, an ongoing program to improve the City’s regulations and procedures. Other areas addressed in this package, called Regulatory Improvement Code Amendment Package 5 (RICAP 5), include easing limitations on family-oriented housing built around courtyards in multi-dwelling zones, updating loading space requirements, increasing the amount of bicycle parking for multi-dwelling development, allowing larger accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in some situations, and a number of technical changes that will ease implementation of the Zoning Code.
The City Council hearing is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010. Council will listen to public testimony before making a decision. To get a copy of the amendments being considered, or for information on how to comment on the amendments, go to http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?c=30390&a=258428 or contact Jessica Richman at jrichman@ci.portland.or.us or 503-823-7847.
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