(a) Solar Energy Conversion Systems shall be classified into three (3) categories.
(1) Category One, consist of large SECS that have one or more units producing power for sale. This category generates power in excess of 500 Kw and does not provide power for onsite use. These systems require the approval of a Conditional Use Permit and Location and Development Plan and are allowed in the Manufacturing/Industrial (MI) and Airport Development District (ADD) and Open Space (OS) zones, unless allowed in other zones pursuant to site-specific approval of a SECS overlay zone pursuant to Subsection (f), below.
(2) Category Two, consist of medium SECS that provide power for existing onsite structures. These systems may have multiple panels but produce 500 Kw or less. These systems require the approval of a Minor Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan and are allowed in all zoning districts except Single Family Residential (R1), (R1-.5) and Desert Living (DL), unless allowed in other zones pursuant to project-specific approval of a SECS overlay zone pursuant to Subsection (f), below.
(3) Category Three, consist of SECS that provide power for existing onsite single family residential structures. These systems may have multiple panels but produce 25 Kw or less. These systems require the approval of a site plan and can be ground or roof mounted.
(b) All SECS shall comply with height limitations and setbacks for the zoning district they are installed in.
(c) No SECS shall emit sounds which exceed 65 decibels at any time as measured from the property line.
(d) All on-site wiring for SECS shall be installed underground.
(e) All SECS shall be installed and operated so that the public health, safety, and welfare of neighboring property owners or occupants will not be jeopardized.
(f) Category One and Category Two SECS proposed outside of a designation Solar Energy Conversions System Overlay Zone, as identified in Subsection (a) must obtain approval of a site-specific SECS overlay zoning designation pursuant to Section 17.80.071 of this Chapter.
[Ord. No. 502, Section 5, 4/27/11; Ord. No. 515, Exhibit K, 5/22/13; Ord No. 528, Exhibit Q, 9/10/14; Ord. No. 618, Attachment F, 12/9/20.]