Lancaster City Council Adopts Ordinance Encouraging Increased Use of Alternative Energy
During its Jan. 26th meeting, the Lancaster City Council adopted an ordinance to stimulate increased use of alternative energy systems within the City. Specifically, the new ordinance permits the construction of small wind energy systems in commercial and industrial zones. It also allows solar power plants in rural residential zones with a conditional use permit.
“Our goal of making Lancaster the alternative energy capital of the world may sound like mere hyperbole, but we are continually drawing closer to making this goal a reality,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “This ordinance is yet another step in the right direction. The use of alternative energy conserves not only our environment and resources, but also saves money in the long-term, in addition to building a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.”
The new ordinance allows small-scale wind energy systems to be co-located with parking lot light fixtures in commercial and residential areas, which was previously prohibited under the municipal code. To minimize the potential visual or noise impact of such systems on the surrounding area, limits on height, turbine size, maximum noise levels, and setbacks from any adjacent residential zones were also established.
Additionally, the ordinance recognizes the need to establish new zoning regulations for outlying areas of the City with the potential to accommodate solar power plants. Such sites are designated as non-urban by the General Plan and zoned as rural residential. Under the new ordinance, solar power plants can now be built in rural residential zones with the approval of a conditional use permit (CUP). The stipulation of a CUP allows for the review of individual proposals through a Planning Commission hearing to ensure that they do not create visual or other adverse effects on adjacent property or uses.
“This ordinance expands upon the one passed in 2009 allowing the construction of small vertical axis wind turbine systems in residential zones with the director’s approval,” said Brian Ludicke, Planning Director. “It allows developers and owners to take advantage of the financial and environmental benefits of alternative energy on a whole new level.”
The adoption of the ordinance was consistent with Lancaster’s General Plan, which states that the City will promote programs designed to reduce energy consumption and utilize alternative energy resources.