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significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency; or (2) <br />allow for an alternative system of comparable cost and efficiency. <br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION <br />COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY AS FOLLOWS: <br />1. Guidance for Solar Energy Systems: <br />The Historic Preservation Commission hereby issues supplemental guidance for <br />applicants wishing to install a solar energy system in a Local Historic District or <br />on a Local Historic Landmark. <br />a. Recommended: <br />Solar energy systems in Local Historic Districts and on Local Historic <br />Landmarks should be designed, sized, and located to minimize their effect <br />on the character of a historic building. Before designing a solar energy <br />system, the applicant [should /is encouraged] consider'the following: <br />i. Energy conservation measures such as insulation, "weather <br />stripping; caulking, or new `or,repaired storm windows °should be <br />considered <as- Ahe'most cost - effective method of cutting energy <br />costs for anypfoperty,' historic or` "otherwise prior to investing in <br />solar energy systems. <br />,f ii. Before applying " for 'a. COA, applicants should verify that enough <br />sunlight is` °available :to maket e proposed system viable. <br />iii. Place solar, energy systems to avoid obscuring significant features <br />or adversely affecting .the - perception of the overall character of the <br />/ property., .. .. <br />iv. Consider installing solar energy systems on an addition or <br />secondary structure where applicable. <br />v. Solar,'devices on non - historic windows, walls, siding, or shutters <br />which do not face public streets are encouraged. <br />vi. Systems not attached to the building may be screened with <br />landscaping or other means to limit visibility from a public <br />thoroughfare in such a manner that the system maintains access to <br />solar energy. <br />vii. The preferred location for roof - mounted solar energy systems shall <br />be on a non - character defining roof line which is not readily visible <br />from public thoroughfares in the lease visible location where at <br />least 85% of optimal system performance can be achieved. If the <br />Page 2 of 7 <br />