(A) (1) General. Accessory solar energy collection systems, small scale, shall be permitted as accessory uses in the residential zoning districts (R-1, R-1-U, R-2) as roof-mounted systems to existing structures or facilities provided they comply with minimum design standards outlined below. Ground- mounted systems are prohibited. Compliance with applicable standards shall be documented and shown on a site plan and submitted to the Zoning Administrator along with a conditional use permit application for the appropriate review and approval.
(2) Residential solar collection. An application for a proposed small scale solar collector/energy system located at a residence must meet the following standards as an accessory use.
(a) Roof-mounted solar collector systems shall meet the following location standards: roof-mounted accessory solar collectors shall not extend above the ridge-cap or exceed the 35 feet height restrictions of this chapter.
(b) The collector surface and mounting devices for roof-mounted systems shall not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building on which the system is mounted or built.
(c) Exterior piping for solar hot water systems shall be allowed to extend beyond the perimeter of the building on a side yard exposure.
(d) Roof-mounted systems shall be located so as not to impede the ability of emergency personnel to access the roof for fire-fighting purposes.
(e) Roof-mounted systems shall be mounted parallel to the roof at the same pitch or no greater than 5% steeper than the roof.
(f) Solar panels shall be placed such that concentrated solar radiation or glare shall not be directed onto other properties or public access areas.
(g) Mounting hardware and framing shall be non-reflective or matte black in color.
(h) Approved solar components: solar energy system components must have a UL listing and must be designed with anti-reflective glare coating(s) to minimize solar glare.
(B) (1) General. Accessory solar energy collection systems, small scale, shall be permitted as an accessory use in zoning districts other than residential (C-1, C-1P, C-2, M-U, M-E, RC, G-O, M-1) as roof-mounted systems to existing structures or facilities provided they comply with minimum design standards outlined below. Accessory solar energy collector systems shall not be allowed in the Heritage District Overlay (HDO) unless approval is obtained from the Preserve America Commission, the Planning Board and the Board of Adjustment. Approval can be obtained through a conditional use permit application accompanied by a proper site plan. Compliance with applicable standards shall be documented and shown on a site plan and submitted to the Zoning Administrator with a conditional use permit application for review and approval. Ground-mounted systems are prohibited.
(2) Commercial energy solar collection. An application for a proposed small scale solar collector/energy systems in zoning districts other than residential must meet the following standards as an accessory use.
(a) Roof-mounted solar collector systems shall meet the following location standards: roof-mounted accessory solar collectors shall not extend above the ridge-cap or exceed the 35-foot height restriction of this chapter.
(b) The collector surface and mounting devices for roof-mounted systems shall not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building on which the system is mounted or built.
(c) Exterior piping for solar hot water systems shall be allowed to extend beyond the perimeter of the building on a side yard exposure.
(d) Roof-mounted systems shall be located so as not to impede the ability of emergency personnel to access the roof for fire-fighting purposes.
(e) Roof-mounted systems shall be mounted parallel to the roof at the same pitch or no greater than 5% steeper than the roof.
(f) Solar panels shall be placed such that concentrated solar radiation or glare shall not be directed onto other properties or public access areas.
(g) Sites where a flat roof is used to support the solar system must be shielded from view by a parapet or curtain wall tall enough to shield the panels and have a uniform look around the entire perimeter.
(h) Exterior electrical wires and conduit shall be kept as a location to a side yard and any related conjunction boxes shall be shielded from public view while maintaining access to mechanical equipment.
(Ord. passed 3-14-2005; Ord. passed 10-10-2016; Ord. passed 3-14-2019, § 315)