City of Boulder 2C - Height Limit

In 1971 voters in the city of Boulder approved adding Section 84 to the city charter. Section 84 limits the height of buildings and other structures to 55 feet. Exceptions to the height limit are spelled out and include examples such as spires, chimneys, light poles, and transmission lines. This ballot question proposes adding "rooftop renewable energy improvements" to the list of exceptions. Section 9-7-7 of the city code currently constrains appurtenances to a maximum height of 16 feet above the rooftop.

The aim of Ordinance No. 7736 is to allow renewable energy improvements on rooftops "regardless of whether such improvements are appurtenant [belonging to] or otherwise accessible to the building." This is relevant because in 2010 the Colorado legislature passed HB 1342, sponsored by Rep. Claire Levy of Boulder and Sen. Suzanne Williams, which allows residents and businesses without solar access to realize reductions in their utility bills by subscribing to an off-site solar garden. Issue 2C would further encourage the development of solar gardens.

Recommendation: for

Boulder residents love their views and love being green. With this ballot issue, they may have to compromise the views a bit to be green, but this exception to the 55-foot limit in order to promote renewable energy seems reasonable.


CITY OF BOULDER BALLOT QUESTION NO. 2C (Approved Ballot Language)

HEIGHT LIMIT

Shall Section 84 of the Charter be amended pursuant to Ordinance No. 7736 to allow the installation of rooftop renewable energy improvements on the tops of buildings without regard to whether the improvements or building exceed 55 feet in height?
The proposed amendment would add "rooftop renewable energy improvements" to the current list of allowed exceptions to the height limit.

For the measure ____ Against the measure ____


See Ordinance No. 7736 to refer 2C to the voters.
http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/files/Elections/2010/Ord._7736_-_Section_84_-_Height-1004.doc