(A) Solar energy systems are a permitted accessory use in all zoning districts, subject to the requirements of this section. Solar carports and associated electric vehicle charging equipment are a permitted accessory use on surface parking lots in all districts regardless of the existence of another building. Ground-mounted systems do not count toward the maximum number of accessory structures permitted.
(B) Solar energy systems must meet the following height requirements:
(1) Building or roof-mounted solar energy systems cannot exceed the maximum height allowed in the zoning district where the solar energy system is located. For purposes of height measurement, solar energy systems other than building-integrated systems are permitted the same height exceptions as building-mounted mechanical equipment.
(2) Ground- or pole-mounted solar energy systems cannot exceed 15 feet in height when oriented at maximum tilt.
(3) Solar carports in non-residential districts cannot exceed 20 feet in height.
(C) A solar energy system must meet the accessory structure setback for the zoning district where it is located and the requirements below.
(1) Roof- or building-mounted solar energy systems. The collector surface and mounting devices for roof-mounted solar energy systems cannot extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building on which the system is mounted or built, unless the collector and mounting system has been explicitly engineered to safely extend beyond the edge, and setback standards are not violated. Exterior piping for solar hot water systems is allowed to extend beyond the perimeter of the building on a side yard. Solar collectors mounted on the sides of buildings and serving as awnings are considered building-integrated systems and are regulated as awnings.
(2) Ground-mounted solar energy systems. Ground-mounted solar energy systems cannot extend into a side or rear yard setback when oriented at minimum design tilt.
(D) Solar energy systems in residential districts must minimize visual impacts from the public right-of-way to the extent that doing so does not adversely affect the cost or efficacy of the system, consistent with I.C. 36-7-2-8.
(1) Building-integrated photovoltaic systems. Building-integrated photovoltaic solar energy systems are allowed even if the system is visible from the public right-of-way. If the building component where the system is integrated meets all required setback, land use, or performance standards for the district where the building is located.
(2) Aesthetic restrictions. Roof-mounted or ground-mounted solar energy systems cannot be restricted for aesthetic reasons if:
(a) The system is not visible from the closest edge of any public right-of-way other than an alley.
(b) Roof-mounted systems on pitched roofs visible from a right-of-way have the same pitch as the roof and are no more than ten inches above the roof.
(c) Roof-mounted systems on flat roofs visible from a right-of-way are not more than five feet above the finished roof. Such systems are exempt from any rooftop equipment or mechanical system screening requirements.
(3) Reflectors. Solar energy systems using a reflector to enhance solar production must minimize the glare from the reflector onto adjacent or nearby properties.
(E) A ground-mounted system must meet the lot coverage requirements for the zoning district where it is located except:
(1) Ground-mounted systems are exempt from lot coverage or impervious surface standards if the soil under the collector is maintained in vegetation and not compacted.
(2) Solar carports in non-residential districts are exempt from lot coverage limitations.
(F) Solar energy systems requiring a building permit or improvement location permit must provide a site plan with the permit application.
(G) Electric solar energy system components must have an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or equivalent listing and solar hot water systems must have a Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or equivalent rating.
(H) Solar energy systems require approval of local building code officials, consistent with the State of Indiana Building Code. Solar thermal systems must comply with HVAC-related requirements of the Energy Code and applicable Indiana State Plumbing Code requirements. Photovoltaic systems must comply with the Indiana State Electric Code.
(I) For grid-tied solar energy systems, the interconnection application must be submitted to the utility prior to applying for required town permits. Off-grid systems are exempt from this interconnection application requirement.
(Ord. 2022-17, passed 7-19-2022)