(A) Purpose. The intent of this section is to provide for the safe, effective and efficient utilization of solar energy systems while protecting the rights, health, safety and welfare of adjoining land uses and landowners through appropriate zoning and land use controls.
(B) Solar energy generating systems, accessory.
(1) This use shall be permitted in all districts.
(2) Size limits.
(a) In the R and C Districts, the physical size of the system shall be limited to the size of the roof, or roofs of structures, situated on the subject property, when roof-mounted. Ground-mounted systems shall be no larger than the square footage of solar panel surface area allowed based on the size of the lot as shown below. In the event that a combination of roof-mounted and ground-mounted systems is utilized, the total solar panel surface area cannot exceed the aggregate square footage of the roof areas on the property on which the system is installed. No variance or waiver to the size or setback requirements of the ground-mounted system is allowed in the Residential Districts. A variance may be requested under § 158.130(F)(2)(f) for lots more than three acres in size in the C District; documentation from a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certified professional solar panel installer must be included to demonstrate that the total size allowable is inadequate to power 100% of the home and accessory structures based on the previous 12 months of usage and identify the additional size and number of panels needed to meet 100% of the expected energy use. Wall-mounted systems are not permitted.
Lot Size | Solar Panel Surface Area Maximum Square Footage for Ground-Mounted Systems |
Less than or equal to one-half acre | 120 square feet |
More than one-half acre to one acre | 240 square feet |
More than one acre to 3 acres | 480 square feet |
More than 3 acres | Aggregate square footage of the roof, or roofs of structures, situated on the subject property |
(b) In the A District, the physical size of the system shall be limited to the size of the roof, or roofs of structures, situated on the subject property, when roof-mounted, or no larger than the aggregation of the roof area of all permitted structures on site, when ground-mounted. In the event that a combination of roof-mounted and ground-mounted systems is utilized, the total area cannot exceed the aggregate square footage of the roof areas on the property on which the system is installed. No variance to the size of ground-mounted systems is allowed in the Agricultural District.
(c) In the commercial, employment campus, and industrial districts, the physical size of the system shall be limited to the size of the roof, or roofs, of structures situated on the subject property, when roof-mounted, or in the C-2 and C-3 Districts, no larger than the aggregate of the roof area of all permitted structures on site, when ground-mounted. Ground-mounted systems up to 120 square feet may be authorized in the C-1 District. No variance or waiver to the size of ground-mounted systems is allowed.
(3) Setbacks. Ground-mounted facilities shall satisfy the minimum side, front, and rear yard setback requirements for the district in which the use is situated. There shall be no variance to the front yard setback.
(4) Height limits. No portion of the system shall extend more than ten feet from the highest portion of the principal structure to which it is attached. The total height of the building, including all portions of the solar facility, shall comply with the height regulations as set forth in the bulk requirements for the individual district in which the use is proposed. Ground-mounted systems may not exceed a total height of ten feet above existing grade.
(5) Miscellaneous provisions.
(a) Electrical connections.
1. If interconnected to the local utility grid, a copy of the conditional approval from the local utility must be provided prior to, or at the time of, permit application.
2. All systems must meet all applicable construction and electrical codes.
3. Systems that connect to the electric utility power grid shall comply with all utility notification requirements.
4. A copy of the signed certificate of completion from the utility company shall be provided prior to occupancy permit issuance.
5. When batteries are included, they must be placed in a secure container or enclosure per manufacturer's specifications; screened from view.
(b) Appearance.
1. Color must remain as it was originally provided by the manufacturer or match the exterior of the principal structure.
2. No signs other than the manufacturer's, or installer's identification, appropriate warning signs; and not more than two manufacturers' signs may be on the system.
3. Glare must be mitigated away from an adjoining property or adjacent road, which shall be certified by the solar installer prior to installation.
4. The system cannot unreasonably interfere with the view of, or from, a site of significant public interest (scenic road, historic resources, and the like).
5. Ground-mounted systems may not be affixed to a block wall or a fence.
6. Roof-mounted systems shall be installed in such a manner that there is no change in relief or projection.
(C) Solar energy generating systems, in commercial and employment campus districts.
(1) Solar energy conversion facilities shall be permitted in the C-1 when roof-mounted. No ground-mounted systems shall be permitted in the C-1. Solar energy conversion facilities mounted on parking canopies are considered roof-mounted systems.
(2) Solar energy conversion facilities shall be permitted in the C-2 District when roof-mounted. Ground-mounted systems are permitted by conditional use in the C-2 District.
(3) Solar energy conversion facilities shall be permitted by right in the C-3 and EC District whether roof-mounted or ground-mounted.
(4) Size limits.
(a) In the C-1 and employment campus districts, the physical size of the system shall be limited to the size of the roof.
(b) There shall be no size limit for systems in the C-2 and C-3 Districts.
(c) There shall be a size limit for systems in the EC District to be no more than 25 acres or 50% of the site gross site, whichever is lesser.
(5) Setbacks.
(a) Setbacks shall be 400 feet from the boundaries of all adjoining residentially zoned properties, and 200 feet from the boundary lines of adjoining nonresidential zoned properties.
(b) The Planning Commission may reduce required setback for any yard setback by up to 50% provided that supplemental landscaping, as may be determined by the Planning Commission, is provided.
(6) Height limits. No portion of the system shall extend more than ten feet from the highest portion of the principal structure to which it is attached. The total height of the building, including all portions of the solar facility, shall comply with the height regulations as set forth in the bulk requirements for the individual district in which the use is proposed. Ground-mounted system may not exceed a total height of 25 feet above existing grade.
(7) Miscellaneous provisions.
(a) Electrical connections.
1. Prior to interconnection with the local utility grid, a copy of the conditional approval from the local utility must be provided prior to or at the time of permit application.
2. All systems must meet all applicable construction and electrical codes.
3. All systems shall comply with all utility notification requirements.
4. A copy of the signed certificate of completion from the utility company shall be provided prior to occupancy permit issuance.
5. When batteries are included, they must be placed in a secure container or enclosure per manufacturer's specifications; screened from view.
(b) Appearance.
1. Color must remain as it was originally provided by the manufacturer or match the exterior of the principal structure.
2. No signs other than the manufacturer's, or installer's identification, appropriate warning signs; and not more than two manufacturers' signs may be on the system.
3. Glare must be mitigated away from an adjoining property or adjacent road when it creates a nuisance or hazard.
4. The system cannot unreasonably interfere with the view of, or from, a site of significant public interest (scenic road, historic resources, and the like).
5. Ground-mounted systems may not be affixed to a block wall or a fence.
6. Roof-mounted systems shall be installed in such a manner that there is no change in relief or projection.
(D) Solar energy generating systems, in industrial zones.
(1) Solar energy conversion facilities shall be permitted in the I-2 and I-1 Districts whether roof-mounted or ground-mounted.
(2) Size limits.
(a) When roof-mounted, the physical size of the system shall be limited to the size of the roof.
(b) There shall be no size limit for ground-mounted systems.
(3) Setbacks.
(a) Setbacks shall be 200 feet from the boundaries of all adjoining residentially zoned properties, and 100 feet from the boundary lines of adjoining nonresidentially zoned properties.
(b) The Planning Commission may reduce required setback for any yard setback by up to 50% provided that supplemental landscaping, as may be determined by the Planning Commission, is provided.
(4) Height limits. No portion of the system shall extend more than 25 feet from the highest portion of the principal structure to which it is attached. The total height of the building, including all portions of the solar facility, shall comply with the height regulations as set forth in the bulk requirements for the individual district in which the use is proposed. Ground-mounted system may not exceed a total height of 25 feet above existing grade.
(5) Miscellaneous provisions.
(a) Electrical connections.
1. Prior to interconnection with the local utility grid, a copy of the conditional approval from the local utility must be provided prior to or at the time of permit application.
2. All systems must meet all applicable construction and electrical codes.
3. All systems shall comply with all utility notification requirements.
4. A copy of the signed certificate of completion from the utility company shall be provided prior to occupancy permit issuance.
5. When batteries are included, they must be placed in a secure container or enclosure per manufacturer's specifications; screened from view.
(b) Appearance.
1. Color must remain as it was originally provided by the manufacturer or match the exterior of the principal structure.
2. No signs other than the manufacturer's, or installer's identification, appropriate warning signs; and not more than two manufacturers' signs may be on the system.
3. Ground-mounted systems may not be affixed to a block wall or a fence.
4. Roof-mounted systems shall be installed in such a manner that there is no change in relief or projection.
(Ord. 2021-04, passed 5-15-2021; Ord. 2022-18, passed 11-22-2022; Ord. 2023-04, passed 7-13-2023) Penalty, see §
158.999
Editor’s note:
Temporary moratorium on solar energy generating systems, see § 113.01.