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Solar Panels To Become Mandatory On New Sebastopol Buildings

SEBASTOPOL (CBS SF) - On Tuesday, Sebastopol became the second city in California to require all newly-constructed residences and commercial buildings to carry a photovoltaic energy system.

The ordinance will require all new units – and buildings which undergo major upgrades – to produce enough energy to offset 75 percent of the building's energy load, according to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.

The measure will not apply to development plans already on file with the city, and residents who live in shaded or otherwise impractical areas may implement alternative energy creation methods, or pay a fee.

"This ordinance is not only cost-saving ... it's the responsible thing to do," said Councilman Robert Jacob.

Councilmembers told the Press Democrat that the plan met with little opposition from the community, which has a history of embracing alternative energy.

Lancaster in Los Angeles County was the first community in the state to adopt such a measure.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

 

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