The South Miami city commission last week voted 4-1 to approve the legislation, which also applies to existing properties whose owners increase the square footage of a home by 75 percent or more.
"The law passed after the commission was required to hold a third public hearing because of revisions made to the measure between the first and second reading of the ordinance. However, the votes in favor of the legislation were seemingly never in doubt as Mayor Phillip Stoddard, Vice-Mayor Bob Welsh and commissioners Gabriel Edmund and Walter Harris have steadfastly supported the measure since it was initially proposed."
In the weeks leading up to yesterday’s vote there was vehement opposition to the renewable energy law by representatives of builders groups and property owners who criticized South Miami elected officials for forcing residents and developers to install solar panels. This time around, there were less critics voicing their concerns.
There also are concerns that the new requirement may make affordable housing that much more out of reach for low income buyers.
Click here for the full story. Additionally, pass it on. We will be seeing many more pushes to require solar panels on new builds across the nation. And now in Florida as a result of this measure!
If you aren't already aware, the nation's first solar-powered, electric city/development is being developed east of Fort Myers at Babcock Ranch. Its a sustainable community worth checking out!
No comments:
Post a Comment