1179.04 LOCATION AND USES.
(a) Solar Energy Systems. Solar energy systems located in the City of Aurora Historic Districts, any landmarked structures, or on any structure designated on the National Registry of Historical Places shall require a certificate of appropriateness from the City of Aurora Landmark Commission.
(1) Solar energy panels located in commercial zoning districts shall be allowed as a rooftop installation or a ground installation. Rooftop installations shall not be visible from the right-of-way. Ground installations shall only be located in a side or rear yard and conform to all building setbacks requirements.
(2) Solar energy panels located in industrial zoned districts shall be allowed as a rooftop installation or a ground installation. Rooftop installations shall not be visible from the right-of-way. Ground installations shall only be located in a side or rear yard and conform to all building setbacks requirements.
(3) Solar energy systems located in a residential district shall not be located on any roof slope that is visible from a right-of-way. Ground installations in a residential district shall conform to all accessory structure setback requirements.
(4) Solar energy panels attached to an accessory structure shall be placed only in a rear yard.
(5) Roof top mounted solar energy equipment must be installed within the actual boundaries or edges of the roof area and cannot overhang any portion of the edge of the roof. Panels shall not extend above a ridgeline.
(6) Rooftop installations must not interfere with any roof penetrations (e.g., plumbing, vents, chimneys) or operation of plumbing fixtures protruding from the rooftop level as required by the applicable building codes.
(7) All electrical interconnection or distribution lines shall be underground and comply with all applicable building codes and public utility requirements.
(8) All required conduit and wiring shall not be visible from any public right-of-way.
(9) Solar panels must be placed in square patterns only.
(10) All racking should be dark gray or black in color as to blend into the solar array and shall not protrude outside of the array.
(Ord. 2020-119. Passed 10-26-20.)