HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-6-23 Climate Action Commission Agenda PacketIowa City Climate Action Commission Agenda
Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Iowa City City Hall
410 E. Washington St.
Meeting Agenda:
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Jan. 9, 2023 minutes
4. Public Comment on items not on the Agenda
-Commentators shall address the Commission for no more than 3 minutes. Commissioners shall
not engage in discussion with the public concerning said items.
5. Announcements – informational updates
a. Action items from last meeting (Staff)
b. Upcoming events (Staff)
i. Accelerating Black Leadership in Sustainability webinar (Feb. 9)
ii. Native Plant Symposium (April 29)
c. Working group updates
i. Resilience Hub Prioritization (Grimm, Hutchinson, Eynon-Lynch, Walter)
6. Unfinished/Ongoing Business:
a. CY23 Working Groups (update and discussion)
b. FY23 Climate Action Grant updates (Staff)
i. Two volunteers needed for FY24 grant review committee
c. Solar ordinance update (REZ22-0011) (Staff)
7. Recap
a. Confirmation of next meeting time and location
i. Monday, March 6, 3:30-5 p.m., Emma J. Harvat Hall
b. Actionable items for commission, working groups, and staff
8. Adjourn
If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact
Sarah Gardner, Climate Action Coordinator, at 319-887-6162 or at sarah-gardner@iowa-city.org. Early
requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
IOWA CITY CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION
JANUARY 9, 2023 – 3:30 PM – FORMAL MEETING
EMMA J. HARVART HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michal Eynon-Lynch, Ben Grimm (via zoom), Elizabeth
Fitzsimmons, John Fraser (via zoom), Jamie Gade, Stratis
Giannakouros, Jesse Leckband (via zoom), Michelle Sillman,
Gabriel Sturdevant, Matt Walter
MEMBERS ABSENT: Matt Krieger
STAFF PRESENT: Daniel Bissell, Sarah Gardner, Megan Hill
OTHERS PRESENT:
CALL TO ORDER:
Sturdevant called the meeting to order.
APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 5, 2022 MINUTES:
Eynon-Lynch moved to approve the minutes from December 5, 2022.
Walter seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 8-0 (Grimm and
Giannakouros were not present for the vote).
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Action Items from last meeting (Staff):
• Soglin was going to send information on the IRA to Grimm. Grimm was going to provide
information on the Northwest Junior High electrification projects. Due to Grimm’s
absence, this will be a follow-up item next time.
Upcoming events (Staff):
• Speaking of... Questions Answered (Jan. 23)
• Accelerating Black Leadership in Sustainability (Feb. 9)
Working Group Updates (Staff):
Resilience Hub Prioritization (Grimm, Eynon-Lynch, Walter) – Eynon-Lynch noted the group
shared recommendations for potential resilient hub locations with staff. Next meeting will
explore information from other cities that have already implemented resilience hubs.
Introductions and welcome to new members:
Climate Action Commission
January 9, 2023
Page 2 of 4
2
Michelle Stillman works at the University of Iowa School of Journalism. She is participating in
this Commission to learn what's happening in Iowa City and be more involved.
{Ben Grimm joined the meeting via zoom}
Jamie Gade works with Johnson County Public Health and is interested in this Commission
because of climate impacts on health.
{Stratis Giannakouros joined the meeting}
Elizabeth Fitzsimmons is a student at the University getting a bachelor's in environmental
science. She was part of the climate ambassador program last year and wanted to learn more
about the City and be involved.
Review of key duties and practices of the Commission (Staff):
Staff reviewed the Commission bylaws and answered questions.
UNFINISHED/ONGOING BUSINESS:
Climate Action Plan updates:
• Eynon-Lynch asked about updates to City Code to make buildings more ready for solar.
Gardner replied Planning Department did a comprehensive review of the code and
compared it with other cities. Iowa City's code compares well, but tweaks could be made
such as reducing fencing or screening requirements to help ease solar adoption. Also,
language will be added to prevent future forming HOAs from prohibiting solar installation on
homes (existing HOAs are grandfathered in). Planning staff is also working on EV
readiness. Code-cleanup was an action that resulted from the solar memo CAC sent to City
Council.
• Eynon-Lynch asked about an upcoming action to review parking regulations and reductions.
Gardner stated planning staff is looking at decreasing the number of required parking
spaces for commercial properties and multifamily residential to encourage use of public
transportation and improve land use. Gardner offered to invite planning staff to give a
presentation at an upcoming CAC meeting.
• Eynon-Lynch and Sturdevant asked about Phase Three. Gardner clarified that Phase Three
items aren't scheduled to be acted on until 2025, but staff lay some groundwork in advance.
• Eynon-Lynch expressed interest in the local procurement campaign and asked how the
Beyond Plastic initiative is going. Gardner noted Jane Wilch’s last update indicated
restaurants’ feedback was less robust and enthusiastic than community members’ feedback.
A pilot program to adopt more compostable containers has been temporarily paused due to
staffing changes at CHOMP. Eynon-Lynch also asked if Root for Trees and native plantings
Climate Action Commission
January 9, 2023
Page 3 of 4
3
in the parks will continue in 2023. Gardner affirmed both programs have strong support and
will continue.
• Gardner noted the use of Goldie to promote insulation and the resulting 650% increase in
participation in the City’s insulation grant program. Staff shared the Goldie insulation video
created by the City communication department.
• Sturdevant asked about media channels. Gardner noted ads have appeared in the Gazette
and Little Village, on buses, as radio ads, as utility inserts, and on electronic billboards in
City buildings including City Hall. Hill noted they ran the Goldie video as a Facebook ad, and
it reached 15,300 people within a week and had 476 link clicks. Communications staff saw a
spike in visits to the web page after the ads ran.
• As an additional note about the CAAP Update, Gardner shared that the IC Area Association
of Realtors confirmed that energy performance fields will be included in their MLS property
inventory starting this year. This means that everybody who comes to purchase a home in
Iowa City will be receiving some information about the energy efficiency measures that are
included in that home. City is bringing in a trainer to demonstrate to all area realtors how
these energy performance fields are used to help encourage and facilitate these
discussions.
NEW BUSINESS:
Election of Chair and Vice Chair:
Giannakouros moved to nominate Eynon-Lynch as Commission Chair. Sillman seconded, a
vote was taken, and the Commission voted unanimously to approve.
Gade moved to nominate Sturdevant as Vice Chair, Sillman seconded the motion, a vote was
taken and the Commission voted unanimously to approve.
RECAP:
a. Confirmation of next meeting time and location:
a. Monday February 6, 3:30-5 p.m., Emma J. Harvat Hall
b. Actionable items for commission, working groups, and staff:
o Invite Jane Wilch to come give an update.
o Invite planning staff to come give an update.
ADJOURNMENT:
Walter moved to adjourn, Leckband seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion
passed 10-0.
Climate Action Commission
January 9, 2023
Page 4 of 4
4
CLIMATE ACTION
COMMISSION ATTENDANCE
RECORD
2023
NAME
TERM EXP. 2/7/2022 3/7/2022 4/4/2022 5/2/2022 6/6/2022 7/11/2022 8/15/2022 9/12/2022 10/10/2022 11/7/2022 12/5/222 1/9/2023 Michal
Eynon-Lynch 12/31/2024 X X X X X NM X X X X X X
John Fraser 12/31/2024 X X X X X NM X X X X X X
Elizabeth
Fizsimmons 12/31/2025 X
Jamie Gade 12/31/2025 X
Stratis
Giannakouros
UI Rep
O/E X X X O/E NM X X X X X X
Clarity Guerra 12/31/2022 X X X O/E X NM X X X X X *
Ben Grimm 10/31/2023 X X O/E X X NM X X O/E X X X
Megan Hill 12/31/2022 X X X X * * * * * * * *
Kasey
Hutchinson 12/31/2022 X X X X X NM X X X X X *
Matt Krieger 12/31/2023 X X X O/E X NM X O/E X X X O/E
Jesse
Leckband
MidAmerican
Rep
O/E X X X X NM X O/E X X X X
Michelle
Sillman
12/31/2025 X
Becky Soglin 12/31/2022 X X X X X NM X X X X X *
Gabe
Sturdevant 12/31/2024 X X X O/E X NM X X O/E X X X
Matt Walter 12/31/2023 NM X O/E X X X X
KEY: X = Present
0 = Absent
0/E = Absent/Excused
NM= No
Meeting
* No longer on Commission
A C C E L E R A T I N G
B L A C K L E A D E R S H I P
I N S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y
A V I R T U A L C O N V E R S A T I O N
W I T H
A R T H U R B U R T O N &
K A M E L E L G I S E E R
6 -7 P .M .
T H U RS D A Y,
FE B 9, 2 0 23
R egi s te r wi th t he l ink
or QR c o de be low
h ttps://tin yurl .com/bde pmv 4r
R E G I S T E R T O D A Y !
S A T U R D A Y , A P R I L 2 9
Enjoy a day with local landscaping leaders, a motivating
keynote presentation, and a catered lunch while visiting with
other local native plant enthusiasts.
NATIVE PLANT
SYMPOSIUM
2 0 2 3
9 A M - 3 P M
R O B E R T A . L E E R E C R E A T I O N C E N T E R
A t t r a c t & s u p p o r t p o l l i n a t o r s & o t h e r w i l d l i f e a t h o m e
I d e n t i f y & r e p l a c e i n v a s i v e p l a n t s p e c i e s
D e s i g n a s u s t a i n a b l e l a n d s c a p e f o r y o u r u n i q u e c o n d i t i o n s
Whether you are new to gardening or you’ve got the greenest
thumb in town, there will be something for everyone at this event.
U s e t h e Q R C o d e o r v i s i t
I C G o v .o r g /R e c r e a t i o n
Prepared by: Kirk Lehmann,Associate Planner, 410 E.Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240; 319-356-5247
ORDINANCE NO. 23-4893
Ordinance amending Title 14, Zoning Code to enhance land use
regulations related to solar energy systems and further climate action
goals. (REZ22-0011 ).
Whereas, the City of Iowa City's Accelerating Iowa City's Climate Actions Plan adopted in April
2020 includes goals to achieve a 45 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and net-zero
carbon emissions by 2050; and
Whereas, the plan recommends several actions that will help the City reach these goals such as
increasing on-site renewable energy systems, electrification, and increasing energy efficiency in
residences, businesses, and new buildings; and
Whereas, a Climate Action Commission working group further recommended that staff assess
the current zoning code for solar readiness and friendliness, review best practices, and develop
code updates to address any gaps that are found following the completion of the community-
sourced solar feasibility study in January 2022; and
Whereas, staff completed this analysis and identified several changes to the zoning ordinance in
order to add clarity, remove potential regulatory barriers, and provide regulatory incentives in an
effort to further climate action goals; and
Whereas, voluntary regulatory incentives such as density bonuses and parking reductions can
help off-set the costs of incorporating solar energy systems, building electrification, and higher
energy efficiency standards into projects, which will help facilitate implementation; and
Whereas, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Title 14 Zoning
Code amendments at its meeting on December 7, 2022; and
Whereas, it is in the City's best interest to adopt this ordinance.
Now, therefore, be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa:
Section I. Iowa City Code Title 14 "Zoning Code" is hereby amended by deleting the strikethrough
text, adding the underlined text, and renumbering subsequent paragraphs accordingly:
14-2A-4C-1 c "Single-Family Site Development Standards"
9) Roof structures, including solar energy systems, elevator bulkheads,
stairways, ventilating fans, cooling towers, and similar necessary mechanical and
electrical appurtenances required to operate and maintain the building.
14-2A-7 "Special Provisions"
E. Sustainability Density Bonus. The minimum lot size or minimum lot area per unit
may be reduced by ten percent (10%) of the applicable requirement for each of the
Ordinance No. 23-4893
Page 2
following provisions that is met, up to a maximum of twenty-five percent(25%). This bonus
may be used in conjunction with Section 14-5A-4F-10 (Sustainability Parking Reduction).
1. A solar energy system is installed onsite where the size is equal to forty percent
40%) of the surface area of the roofs of all buildings.
2. All uses within the development utilize electricity for one hundred percent(100%)
of their regular energy consumption after construction.
3. All buildings within the development are constructed to the most current edition
of the International Energy Conservation Code standards published by the International
Code Council.
14-2B-4C-1 d "Exemptions"
9) Roof structures, including solar energy systems, elevator bulkheads,
stairways, ventilating fans, cooling towers, and similar necessary mechanical and
electrical appurtenances required to operate and maintain the building.
14-2B-8 "Special Provisions"
D. Sustainability Density Bonus. The minimum lot size or minimum lot area per unit
may be reduced by ten percent (10%) of the applicable requirement for each of the
following provisions that is met, up to a maximum of twenty-five percent(25%). This bonus
may be used in conjunction with Section 14-5A-4F-10 (Sustainability Parking Reduction).
a. A solar energy system is installed onsite where the size is equal to forty percent
40%) of the surface area of the roofs of all buildings.
b. All uses within the development utilize electricity for one hundred percent(100%)
of their regular energy consumption after construction.
c. All buildings within the development are constructed to the most current edition
of the International Energy Conservation Code standards published by the International
Code Council.
14-2C-4C-lc "Exemptions"
10) Roof structures, including solar energy systems, elevator bulkheads,
stairways, ventilating fans, cooling towers and similar necessary mechanical and electrical
appurtenances required to operate and maintain the building.
14-2C-11 "Special Provisions"
E. Sustainability Density Bonus. The minimum lot size or minimum lot area per unit may
be reduced by ten percent (10%) of the applicable requirement for each of the following
provisions that is met, up to a maximum of twenty-five percent (25%). This bonus may be
used in conjunction with Section 14-5A-4F-10 (Sustainability Parking Reduction).
1. A solar energy system is installed onsite where the size is equal to forty percent
40%) of the surface area of the roofs of all buildings.
2. All uses within the development utilize electricity for one hundred percent(100%)
of their regular energy consumption after construction.
3. All buildings within the development are constructed to the most current edition
of the International Energy Conservation Code standards published by the International
Code Council.
Ordinance No. 23-4893
Page 3
14-2D-4C-3 "Exemptions"
j. Roof structures, including solar energy systems, elevator bulkheads, stairways,
ventilating fans, cooling towers and similar necessary mechanical and electrical
appurtenances required to operate and maintain the building.
14-2F-4B-2 "Exemptions"
i. Roof structures, including solar energy systems, elevator bulkheads, stairways,
ventilating fans, cooling towers and similar necessary mechanical and electrical
appurtenances required to operate and maintain the building.
14-2H-2C-4a "Height", Footnote 3
Typically measured from average finished grade along the frontage. Solar energy systems
shall not be included in the maximum building height measurement. See Building Height
in Article 14-9A (General Definitions).
14-2H-2D-4a "Height", Footnote 3
Typically measured from average finished grade along the frontage. Solar energy systems
shall not be included in the maximum building height measurement. See building height
in article 14-9A (General Definitions).
14-2H-2E-4a "Height", Footnote 3
Typically measured from average finished grade along the frontage. Solar energy systems
shall not be included in the maximum building height measurement. See building height
in article 14-9A (General Definitions).
14-2H-2F-4a "Height", Footnote 3
Typically measured from average finished grade along the frontage. Solar energy systems
shall not be included in the maximum building height measurement. See building height
in article 14-9A (General Definitions).
14-2H-2G-4a "Height", Footnote 2
Typically measured from average finished grade along the frontage. Solar energy systems
shall not be included in the maximum building height measurement. See building height
in article 14-9A (General Definitions).
14-3A-4D "Maximum Residential Density"
1. The city will approve a residential density based on the underlying density allowed
in the base zone and what is compatible with the natural topography of the site and with
surrounding development. The residential density for a planned development may not
exceed the value specified in table 3A-1, located at the end of this subsection, except as
allowed by subsection 14-3A-4D-3. Actual residential density allowed, however, may be
less than the maximum expressed in the table due to the topographical constraints of the
Ordinance No. 23-4893
Page 4
property, the scale of the project relative to adjacent development, and the dimensional,
site development, and other requirements of this title.
2. For purposes of this article, "net land area" is defined as total land area minus
public and private street rights of way. When calculating net land area, the land area
devoted to alley and private rear lane rights of way need not be subtracted from the total
land area.
3. Sustainability Density Bonus. The maximum residential density that is required by
Table 3A-1 may be increased by ten percent(10%)of the applicable requirement for each
of the following provisions that is met, up to a maximum of twenty-five percent(25%). This
bonus may be used in conjunction with Section 14-5A-4F-10 (Sustainability Parking
Reduction).
a. A solar energy system is installed onsite where the size is equal to at least
forty percent (40%) of the surface area of the roofs of all buildings.
b. All uses within the development utilize electricity for one hundred percent
100%) of their regular energy consumption after construction.
c. All buildings within the development are constructed to the most current edition
of the International Energy Conservation Code standards published by the International
Code Council.
14-4A-3A-3 "Accessory Uses"
Accessory Uses: Private recreational uses; storage buildings; parking for residents'
vehicles. Home occupations, accessory dwelling units, childcare homes, mechanical
structures such as solar energy systems, and bed and breakfast facilities are accessory
uses that are subject to additional regulations outlined in article C, "Accessory Uses And
Buildings", of this chapter. Any accessory use of the property shall remain secondary to
the principal use of the property for residential living.
14-4A-3B-3 "Accessory Uses"
Accessory Uses: Recreational facilities; meeting rooms; associated offices; shared
amenity areas, shared kitchens and dining rooms, food preparation and dining facilities;
off-street parking for vehicles of the occupants and staff; storage facilities; mechanical
structures including solar energy systems; off-street loading areas.
14-4B-1A "Applicability"
24. For solar energy systems, modifications to the accessory mechanical structure
standards contained in Section 14-4C-2N and other accessory development standards
contained in Section 14-4C-3.
14-4C-2N "Mechanical Structures"
1. Screening:
a. All ground level mechanical and utility equipment, such as heat pumps, air
conditioners, emergency generators, electrical vehicle charging stations, and water
pumps, must be screened from public view to at least the S2 standard. (See chapter 5,
article F, "Screening And Buffering Standards", of this title.) If it is not feasible to use
landscape screening, the mechanical equipment must be screened using wall or fencing
Ordinance No. 23-4893
Page 5
materials complementary to the principal structure. Mechanical structures accessory to
sSingle-family uses and solar energy systems accessory to any uses are exempt from this
standard.
b. In all zones except I-1 and 1-2, rooftop mechanical equipment must be concealed
from public view by integrating equipment into the design of the building, screening
equipment behind building features, such as parapets, or by setting the equipment back
from the edge of the roof so that it is not visible from ground level. Solar energy systems
are exempt from this standard.
2. Setbacks:
a. Single-Family Residential Zones: Mechanical structures must be set back at
least two feet (2') from the side and rear lot lines. However, mechanical structures may
not be located between the principal dwelling and the street.
b. All Other Zones: Mechanical structures must be set back at least two feet (2')
from any lot line. Additional location standards may apply in certain zones or for certain
uses.
3. Minor Modifications for Solar Energy Systems: A minor modification for solar
energy systems may be requested according to chapter 4, article B of this title.
14-5A-4F "Alternatives To Minimum Parking Requirements"
10. Sustainability Parking Reduction. The minimum parking requirement may be
reduced by ten percent (10%) where each of the following provisions is met, up to a
maximum reduction of twenty-five percent (25%). This reduction may be used in
conjunction with Sections 14-2A-7E, 14-2B-8D, 14-2C-11 E, and 14-3A-4D-3 (Sustainability
Density Bonus).
a. A solar energy system is installed onsite where the size is equal to at least forty
percent(40%) of the surface area of the roofs of all buildings.
b. All uses within the development utilize electricity for one hundred percent (100%)
of their regular energy consumption after construction.
c. All buildings within the development are constructed to the most current edition
of the International Energy Conservation Code standards published by the International
Code Council.
14-9A-1 "Definitions"
BUILDING: Any structure with a roof and designed or intended to support, enclose, shelter
or protect persons, animals or property. Solar energy systems are not considered buildings.
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES. A mechanical structure is an accessory use which includes
any equipment that is powered by electricity, gas, or other similar method. This may include
plumbing, electrical, or other similar utility equipment that serves a property. Mechanical
structures may be located on the ground level, attached to a structure, or on the rooftop
level. Examples include heat pumps, air conditioners, emergency generators, water
pumps, Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations, and solar energy systems.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM: A device, array of devices, or structural design feature, the
purpose of which is to provide for generation of electricity, the collection, storage and
distribution of solar energy. Rooftop solar energy systems are considered accessory
mechanical structures. Utility-scale ground-mounted solar energy systems are considered
Ordinance No. 23-4893
Page 6
a principal institutional use. See the definition for utility-scale ground-mounted solar energy
system for additional information.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, UTILITY-SCALE GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY
SYSTEM: A solar energy system that is structurally mounted on the ground and is not roof
mounted, and the system's footprint is at least 1 acre in size. Utility-scale ground-mounted
solar energy systems may be used for both on-site and off-site consumption of energy.
Ground-mounted energy systems with a footprint of less than 1 acre in size must be
accessory to another principal use as an accessory mechanical structure.
Section II. Iowa City Code Title 15, "Land Subdivisions", Chapter 3, "Design Standards and
Required Improvements", is hereby amended by adding the following underlined text:
Article 6 "Energy and Communications Distribution Systems"
D. In subdivisions approved after [effective date of this ordinance!, no restrictive
covenant shall be adopted or enforced against properties within said subdivision that
attempt to impose unreasonable restrictions on the use of solar collectors, as defined by
Iowa Code Chapter 564A.
Section III. Repealer. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the provision of this
Ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section IV. Severability. If any section, provision or part of the Ordinance shall be adjudged to be
invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a
whole or any section, provision or part thereof no adjudged invalid or unconstitutional.
Section V. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in effect after its final passage, approval, and
publication, as provided by law.
Passed and approved this 24th day of January 2023.
May
Approved by
Attest: 1
City Clerk City Attorn y's Office— 01/04/2023
Ordinance No. 23-4893
Page_7
It was moved by Dunn and seconded by Alter
that the Ordinance as read be adopted and upon roll call there were:
Ayes: Nays: Absent Abstain
x Alter
x Bergus
x Dunn
Harmsen
x Taylor
x Teague
x Thomas
First Consideration:
1/10/2023
Vote for passage: AYES: Alter, Bergus, Dunn, Harmsen, Taylor, Teague Thomas
NAYS: None ABSENT: None
Second Consideration:
Vote for passage
Date published 2/2/2023
Moved by Taylor, seconded by Dunn, that the rule requiring ordinances
to be considered and voted on for passage at two Council meetings
prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended,
the second consideration and vote be waived and the ordinance be
voted upon for final passage at this time.
AYES: Alter, Bergus, Dunn, Harmsen, Taylor, Teague, Thomas
NAYS: None ABSENT: None