Out of the shadows: solar access laws

Journal Article · Sat Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Environment; (United States)

OSTI ID:5743265

Hayes, G B

Good will and cooperation among neighboring property owners is necessary to take advantage of solar energy. Access to direct sunlight is not included in present zoning ordinances, which only guarantee access to light and air. Present laws fail to set standards for the adequacy of light and they regulate only buildings, not vegetation. Private skyspace easements would require a careful description of the vertical space over a neighbor's building, careful recording, and a great deal of bothersome detail. They would, for example, have to provide for the growth of vegetation and specify pruning requirements. Other approaches would be to have large lots, with careful orientation and placement of buildings and streets. No satisfactory solar-access legislation has been passed as yet, but area-wide protection that would lead to more rational land-use planning is preferred over lot-by-lot protection. Local governments must adapt solar access in accordance with existing laws and in response to local interest in solar energy. Local covenants could be used to restrict as well as to encourage solar energy use. 18 references.

• OSTI ID: 5743265
• Journal Information: Environment; (United States), Journal Name: Environment; (United States) Vol. 21:7; ISSN ENVTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140400 -- Solar Energy-- Environmental Aspects
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
299001* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Solar-- (1989-)
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCES
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
LAND USE
LANDSCAPING
LEGAL ASPECTS
LEGISLATION
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
PROPERTY RIGHTS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SHADING
SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR RIGHTS