Solar permit applications located in an overlay district have the burden of demonstrating compliance with each of the standards of evaluation as set forth in this section.
A. Mountain Overlay District: Solar collector systems visible from a reference road shall be required to receive a site alteration permit per the standards, notice, and hearing requirements set out in chapter 21 of this title. The following standards, as outlined below, shall also be incorporated into site alteration review of solar collector systems which are visible from a reference road:
1. No location with solar potential equal to the proposed MOD location exists on the lot outside of the MOD for a solar system.
2. A reflection analysis from a qualified professional shall demonstrate the angle of the collector panels do not create line of sight reflection as viewed from a reference road.
3. Solar thermal collector panel glazing shall be tempered, low or no iron glass with transmittance greater than ninety percent (90%) or of an equivalent measure and outcome.
4. Solar thermal collector panel absorber coating shall have absorptivity greater than ninety five percent (95%) and emissivity less than ten percent (10%) or of an equivalent measure and outcome.
B. Scenic Highway Overlay District:
1. Collector systems located within one hundred feet (100') of Idaho State Highway 75 right of way, excluding lands within the jurisdiction of an incorporated city, are subject to the scenic highway overlay district (SHO) standards, notice, and hearing requirements as set out in chapter 21A of this title.
C. FEMA Mapped Floodplain And Floodway: The placement of the collector systems within the floodplain or riparian overlay district may be permitted if the collector system does not cause increased flood heights or velocities and the following are found to be true:
1. No location with solar potential equal to the proposed FEMA floodway or floodplain location exists on the lot outside of the mapped FEMA floodway or floodplain for a solar system.
2. Collector systems panels located in the designated floodplain are two feet (2') above base flood elevation.
3. Collector systems located in the designated floodplain are securely anchored and will stay in place during a 100-year flood event.
4. Placement of the collector system will result in no net loss or destruction of established native riparian vegetation located within the riparian setback.
D. Wetland And Riparian Overlay Districts: Placement of solar panels in a wetland may be permitted if the collector system does not impede wetlands function and the following are found to be true:
1. No location with solar potential equal to the proposed wetland or riparian location exists on the lot outside of wetlands or riparian setback for a solar system.
2. Placement of the collector system will result in no net loss or destruction of established native riparian vegetation.
3. No fill or excavation is required to install the collector system other than the minimum fill for pole or ground solar collector mounted systems' footings. (Ord. 2010-11, 12-7-2010)