Renewable Energy

Overview

Our homes and businesses will always use energy. Reducing the energy load is the easiest and most efficient way to reduce our carbon footprint. After reducing energy the next best option is to use energy from a source that has an endless supply. This is where renewable energy production can help achieve our goals. Renewable energy includes energy created by the sun (solar), energy from the wind (wind power), and energy generated and stored in the earth (geothermal energy) to name a few. These types of energy systems are safer for the environment, and will help America reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become energy independent. 

Renewable Energy Ordinance

On October 10, 2011, the City Council adopted a Renewable Energy Ordinance. The ordinance promotes energy systems that have positive impacts in energy conservation and include regulations that will allow for wind, solar, and geothermal energy systems in residential and commercial zoning districts.

On February 13, 2023, the City Council adopted amendments to the ordinance.  The amendments were proposed by the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission after a zoning review to assess for obstacles, gaps, and changes in technologies since the original 2011 ordinance was adopted.   Amendments include allowances for community solar gardens, solar canopies, and battery storage of excess energy from renewable energy sources.  

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