Medford, OR Solar Energy: Expedited Solar Permitting (2026)

200 establishes Site Plan and Architectural Review (SPAR-Type II or SPAC-Type III) to check the functional and aesthetic adequacy of commercial, industrial, Cottage Cluster, and multi-family development before a building permit can issue. 360,' as exempt, removing the months-long Type II or Type III land-use process that other commercial construction faces. The only carve-out is for solar installations on historic landmarks or within historic districts, where the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission becomes the review authority instead of the Site Plan and Architectural Commission. 200(3)(a), it does not excuse a solar project from other applicable standards, such as access, parking, riparian protection, or landscaping, and it does not apply if the property is otherwise subject to a conditional use permit or park development review.

200(4) through (8) otherwise impose on commercial and multi-family development. The exemption was carried into the code's Site Plan and Architectural Review chapter alongside other by-right uses, including small building additions and detached single-family construction, reflecting the City's approach of removing discretionary review for improvements that pose limited land-use compatibility concerns.