Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Date: February 4, 2026
To: Members of the Heritage Preservation Commission
From: Mathias Hughey, Associate City Planner
Title
Discussion on Solar Panel Regulations in the Historic-Overlay District for the Zoning Code Update.
Body
Action Requested:
The HPC will review, discuss, and provide feedback to staff on the preferred direction for regulation of solar panels in the Historic Overlay District and other locally designated Heritage Preservation Sites.
Summary Report:
The City has started the process of updating its Zoning Code and Subdivision Regulations (currently the Land Development Code - LDC). As a key stakeholder in the future of Northfield’s Historic District, the HPC is asked to provide clear direction on several topics of concern to the district. At prior HPC meetings these topics were identified as balconies, murals (or other public art), the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process including the application form, solar panels (and potentially other sustainability treatments), and demolition of undesignated properties.
The COA approval criteria include consistency with the Downtown Preservation Guidelines, page 23 of which is included as an attachment because it specifically addresses solar panels. The criteria also include consistency with the Secretary of the Interiors Standards, an illustrated guidelines document is included as an attachment, pages 14 and 15 of which specifically addresses solar panels. The guidance of these two documents leaves room for interpretation, when striking a balance between sustainability and preservation, using phrases like “recommended” and “not recommended”. This allows room for local discretion and priority-setting when applying the standards.
The LDC regulates solar systems through the Accessory Uses and Structures section, which is included as an attachment. Solar systems are allowed in any district where buildings are permitted, subject to several limitations that address height, setbacks, coverage, and visibility. It also states that solar systems that have adequate access to sunlight, but can’t meet those limitations, will satisfy an important criterion required for a variance. It also requires a Conditional Use Permit, plus a COA for solar in the HO district.
Key considerations for the group:
1. Is the requirement of a Conditional Use Permit in the HO district overly burdensome?
2. Would solar awnings as depicted in the SOI guide be acceptable?
3. From what vantage point should visibility be considered? i.e. directly in front of a building, across the street, on an adjacent street, an alley or bridge?
4. Under what conditions would free-standing solar systems be permitted? i.e. over parking lots? In the river-front area? Etc.
5. Would solar wall coverings on new construction be permitted.
Additional items that could also be included:
1. Consider the green or vegetated roofs depicted on pg. 19 of the illustrated guide, does visible vegetation negatively impact character?
2. Consider the same for the solar shingles and cool white metal roofs.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
The Comprehensive Plan identifies updating the LDC as a key priority for implementing that plan. It also includes preservation and sustainability as important community priorities.
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
NA