Solar access: it's the law
The contents of the California Solar Rights Act and the California Solar Shade Control Act which may have an impact on the way in which development, particularly housing, is designed and constructed in California, are reviewed. The Solar Rights Act establishes the state government of California as supporting and encouraging solar energy implementation at the local level. The law sets parameters for establishing solar easements, amends the Solar Tax Credit to include costs of easements, prohibits ordinances and private covenants which restrict solar systems, and requires communities to consider passive solar and natural heating and cooling opportunities in new construction. The Solar Rights Act is binding on all charter cities, and is thus applicable to all California cities and counties. The Solar Shade Control Act prohibits the blockage of solar radiation by vegetation to solar collectors which meet certain specific qualifications. Owners of property with unlawful vegetation are subject to criminal charges and fines of up to $500 per day of continued infraction. However, cities and counties may elect to exempt themselves from provisions of the Solar Shade Control Act. This manuscript explains solar access concepts, interprets the legal language of the laws for lay readers, and offers specific planning and design guidelines for use by developers, planners, and government officials in reviewing or developing plans to ensure solar access to structures. Twenty-four illustrations, a glossary, and several practical appendices are offered to assist the reader in understanding and complying with the laws.
- OSTI ID:
- 5980666
- Resource Relation:
- Related Information: Environmental Quality Series No. 34
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
CALIFORNIA
SOLAR RIGHTS
SOLAR ACCESS
MANUALS
REGULATIONS
BUILDINGS
COMMUNITIES
COMPLIANCE
CONSTRUCTION
DESIGN
LAND USE
LAWS
LEGAL ASPECTS
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
PASSIVE SOLAR COOLING SYSTEMS
PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS
PLANTS
STATE GOVERNMENT
SUN SHADES
TAX CREDITS
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENERGY SYSTEMS
EQUIPMENT
HEATING SYSTEMS
NORTH AMERICA
SOLAR COOLING SYSTEMS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS
USA
WESTERN REGION
140400* - Solar Energy- Environmental Aspects
299001 - Energy Planning & Policy- Solar- (1989-)