Delaware County Review

The City of Dublin is researching updates to our zoning code surrounding the use of renewable energy equipment for solar, including rules regarding location, materials and aesthetics for installation on residential and non-residential properties. Interest in solar energy equipment has grown based on awareness and financial incentives currently available for property owners, which have extended through 2035(External link).As part of our research on solar energy equipment, the City collaborated with installation companies, energy providers, local regional partners including the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and Logan Union and Champaign Regional Planning Commission, as well as national and local advocacy organizations to understand various aspects of solar energy. Staff also conducted benchmarking of peer communities to understand how they address renewable energy. Public Engagement As discussions move forward, the City will continue to seek input from stakeholders, including residents, business owners and neighborhood associations. Survey – Community input will be collected through Jan. 22, 2023Public Meeting – View the Jan. 11 meeting recording and presentation slides on the right. Condominiums and Homeowner Associations (HOA)The State of Ohio recently adopted a law (effective Sept. 13, 2022) concerning homeowners’ association rules that govern the installation of solar panels on residential properties within an association. Ohio Substitute Senate Bill 61(External link) enacts new provisions of Ohio’s planned community law to address installations of solar panels in condominium and planned communities (i.e. residential developments with mutual covenants administered by a homeowners’ association). HOAs may want to review the bill to determine what effect it might have on their neighborhood. Please note, the new state law is outside of the City of Dublin’s control and does not impact the City’s zoning and development standards.

The City of Dublin’s Zoning Code treats solar panels as accessory structures and outlines approved locations on the home or property for installation. Some residential development standards are located within a Planning Unit Development, which may have more restrictive zoning requirements that need to be understood prior to installing of solar panels. A building permit is required from the City’s Building Division prior to installation.

Next Steps

City staff introduced Ordinance 70-22 at the Nov. 14, 2022, City Council meeting with proposed amendments to the Zoning Code regarding renewable energy equipment for solar. City Council requested additional public engagement prior to providing a final determination on the draft zoning code language. The results of the public engagement opportunities outlined above will be provided to City Council at their Jan. 17, 2023, Work Session, and City Council will have the opportunity to provide feedback and direction before the Ordinance is brought back for decision. The tentative date for the second reading of the Ordinance is Feb. 13, 2023.

Original source can be found here.