As stated in the Unified Development Code (UDC), City Council from time to time, on its own motion, or at the recommendation of City staff amend, change, or modify text in any portion of the UDC to establish and maintain stable and desirable development. It is generally considered good practice to periodically review and update the development regulations due to changing conditions, community goals, and/or State and Federal regulations.

The city has received interest for sites within the city for potential uses related to producing and/or storing solar energy. The interest is primarily centered around the undeveloped and underdeveloped Manufacturing - Light (M-1) Districts around the edges of the city. The current UDC has no language pertaining to solar energy land uses. Currently, this would be considered a "New and Unlisted Use", which requires a Specific Use Permit.

Several neighboring municipalities have language within their city codes defining and permitting solar related activities. Given the interest, staff is using these proposed amendments to make an effort to remain regionally competitive while fulfilling the intent of the Unified Development Code. Therefore, staff is proposing amendments to define solar activity land use and permit by right this use within the high intensity zoning districts of Manufacturing - Light Districts (M-1) and Manufacturing - Heavy Districts (M-2).

Proposed Amendments to Article 5, Section 21.5.8 Permitted Use Table:
 

Zoning District	P=Permitted/ S= Specific Use Permit	Permitted Uses
Manufacturing - Light District (M-1)	P	Solar/Photovoltaic Facilities
Manufacturing - Heavy District (M-2)	P	Solar/Photovoltaic Facilities

Proposed Amendments to Article 16 - Definitions:

• Solar Energy: Radiant energy (direct, diffuse, and reflected) received from the sun.
• Solar/Photovoltaic Facility: A structure, assembly, equipment, or any combination thereof relating to the generation, transportation, and storage of solar energy.

No other modifications to Article 5, Section 21.5.8 Permitted Use Table or Article 16 Definitions are proposed with this UDC Amendment. 

As interest in solar energy related activities has increased within the City of Schertz, staff has researched neighboring municipalities to better understand how the region is addressing this industry with their respective codes, and believes that Schertz can include similar language to remain competitive.

Given that solar energy production has less adverse impacts on surrounding properties as other forms of energy production, staff believes that Manufacturing - Light Districts (M-1) and Manufacturing - Heavy Districts (M-2) are appropriate as well as consistent with how other municipalities have handled solar energy related land uses.

Therefore, staff recommends approval of the amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC) as proposed and discussed. 

The Planning and Zoning Commission in making a recommendation to City Council on the proposed Unified Development Code Amendment. In considering action on a UDC Amendment, the Commission should consider the criteria within UDC, Section 21.4.7 D. 

1. The proposed amendment promotes the health, safety, or general welfare of the City and the safe, orderly, efficient and healthful development of the City;
2. An amendment to the text is consistent with other policies of this UDC and the City;
3. Any proposed amendment is consistent with the goals and objectives of this UDC and the City; and
4. Other criteria which, at the discretion of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council, are deemed relevant and important in the consideration of the amendment.