San Antonio Site Design Standards for Solar, Trees, and Stormwater Management

The site design standards provide, among other requirements as follows: “Building massing shall be so designed as to provide direct sunlight to vegetation in the river channel as defined :A.The area to be measured for solar access shall be a 30-foot setback from the river’s edge or from the river’s edge to the building face, which ever is lesser, parallel to the river for the length of the property. B.The solar calculations shall be measured exclusive to the applicant’s property; that is, shades and shadows of other buildings shall not be included in the calculations. The solar calculations shall only measure the impact of new construction and additions. The shading impact of historic buildings on the site may be excluded from the calculations. C.The defined area shall receive a minimum of five and one-half (5.5) hours of direct sunlight, measured at the winter solstice, and seven and one-half (7.5) hours of direct sunlight, measured at the summer solstice. D.Those properties located on the south side of the river (whose north face is adjacent to the river) shall only be required to measure the sunlight in the 30-foot setback on the opposite bank of the river.” The standards also provide requirements related to landscaping with areas adjoining rivers.