“Dear PoPville,
Have you seen any solar carport/pergolas around town? We are considering building one for some shade in our super sunny back patio/parking pad and got a quote from a solar installer. ($14k-$20k for both the structure and panels post-tax-credit depending on size).
Our lot occupancy is currently maxed out for our zoning at 60% but in researching what counts as building area, I found there was a rule making in 2016 that says building area does NOT include:
(a) Building components or appurtenances dedicated to the environmental sustainability of the building
Does this sound like a loophole to build a solar array as covered parking, even if it exceeds your lot occupancy limit?
Opinions on these in the context of DC (non-Historic District) rowhouse alleyway — hideous and weird or cool and functional?
Do people value covered parking vs uncovered? How much do you think covered parking would add to home value (recognizing that the uncovered parking already there)?
So many questions…”