Solar Energy Systems - Zoning Review

Background

The Regional District is proposing a series of amendments to the Electoral Area ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘F’ & ‘I’ Zoning Bylaws in order to introduce new regulations for the placement of solar energy devices on a property.

At present, the Electoral Area Zoning Bylaws are all silent on the use, size, erection and placement of solar energy systems.  This is seen to be reflection of solar energy systems not being a viable source of on-site power generation at the time the bylaws were drafted. However, with increasing interest in advanced technology, that provides more efficient heating and cooling systems by combining solar energy with other forms of energy required for residential dwellings, more homeowners are now switching to solar energy devices which warrants a general zoning amendment.

With the increasing demand and versatility of such systems being used for residential, commercial and industrial purposes, there has been concerns in general of such systems being too obtrusive.

In response to which, RDOS Board at its regular meeting on May 21, 2020 passed a motion to direct staff to bring forward options for zoning regulations which will govern the placement of such systems. As a result, Administration is currently proposing following amendments to the Zoning Bylaws;

  • roof mounted solar energy system devices may not project beyond the outermost edge of the roof.
  • ground mounted systems shall not be allowed on parcels 0.25 ha in area or less, except when they are less than 1.2 meters in height.
  • that ground mounted systems less than 1.2 meters in height be exempted from interior side, exterior side and rear setback requirements.
  • that a maximum of 1.0 m height for roof-mounted systems be allowed above the maximum building height allowed under that zone.
  • in an Industrial or Administrative and Institutional zone, a ground mounted system may be sited in accordance with the applicable maximum height and minimum parcel line setback a standalone structure subject to the siting requirements for accessory buildings and structures

Status of Amendment Bylaw No. 2911

Draft DocumentsPublic ConsultationRegional District Board Consideration

Draft Amendment Bylaw:

Amendment Bylaw No. 2911

(version - 2020-10-01)

Amendment Bylaw No. 2911

(version - 2021-04-01)

Amendment Bylaw No. 2911

(version - 2021-05-20)

Advisory Planning Commission:

Electoral Area E APC Meeting:

Time: 6:30 pm

Date: December 14, 2020

Meeting Number: 146 970 8134

Password: RD@S

Minutes

 

Electoral Area D APC Meeting:

Time: 7:00 pm

Date: November 10, 2020

Location: Okanagan Falls Community Centre Gym

Minutes

 

Electoral Area I APC Meeting:

Time: 6:30 pm

Date: December 14, 2020

Meeting Number: 146 970 8134

Password: RD@S

Minutes

 

Electoral Area F APC Meeting:

Time: 7:00 pm

Date: November 23, 2020

Meeting Number: 146 897 9792

Password: RD@S

Minutes

 

Public Information Meeting:

Location: https://rdos.webex.com/

Time: 6:00 pm

Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Meeting Number: 187 910 1878

Password: RD@S

Toll-Free Number: 1-833-311-4101

Webex Instructions

Notice of Public Information Meeting

Feedback Form

 

Public Hearing:

Date: Thursday, May 6, 2021

Time: 9:00 am

Location: https://rdos.webex.com

Meeting number: 187 162 3753

Password: RD@S

Toll Free: 1-833-311-4101

Notice of Public Hearing

Instructions on participating in and attending 
electronic public hearings can be viewed here: 
Public Hearings

 

Feedback Form

 

Planning & Development Committee

Administrative Report

Minutes (2020-10-01) 

 

Administrative Report

(version 2021-03-18)

Administrative Report

(version 2021-04-01)

 

Bylaw Introduction (1st & 2nd reading):

Administrative Report (2021-04-01)

Amendment Bylaw

Minutes

 

Public Hearing:

Report 

Representations

 

3rd Reading:

Administrative Report

Amendment Bylaw

Representations

Minutes

 

Adoption:

Administrative Report

Minutes