(A) General.
(1) No ground mounted solar energy system shall be visible from the street or alley adjacent to the front of the main dwelling, main building or main structure.
(2) Roof mounted solar energy systems shall not extend beyond the roof line in any direction including the peak. Roof mounted panels on a sloped roof shall not show any apparent change in relief or projection of any rood elevation. Roof mounted panels on a flat roof shall not project vertically more than five feet from the surface of the roof.
(3) Ground mounted solar panels may not exceed six feet in height as measured from the natural grade.
(B) Setbacks.
(1) A ground mounted solar energy system or systems shall not project past the width of the main dwelling, main building or main structure. Rear yard and side yard setbacks shall be a minimum of ten feet measured from the property line.
(2) A solar energy system or systems shall not be located in the front or side yards.
(3) Roof mounted solar energy systems shall not be placed on the roof that fronts the street; also applies to corner lots with two fronts.
(C) Access. All ground mounted electrical and control equipment shall be labeled and secured to prevent unauthorized access. All conductors supplying power to the equipment shall be underground.
(D) Appearance, color and finish. The solar energy system shall remain painted or finished in the color or finish that was originally applied by the manufacturer, unless a different color or finish is approved the Planning Commission and Council.
(E) Signs. There shall be no signs that are visible from any public road posted on a solar energy system or any associated building, except for the manufacturers or installers identification, appropriate warning signs or owner identification.
(F) Utility interconnection and notification. Solar energy systems that connect to the electrical utility shall comply with Ohio's Interconnection Standards, NEC Standards and the standards of the utility and all other applicable standards.
(G) Mounting. No type of solar energy system may be mounted to any accessory structure.
(H) Screening. A ground mounted solar energy system or systems shall be screened from view with a fence or vegetation to a maximum height of six feet measured from natural grade and shall be installed and constructed as outlined in Chapter 1312. A separate permit shall be required.
(I) Variance. The applicant may apply to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a variance for divisions (A) through (H) of this section.
(Ord. 18-2021, passed 4-5-2021)