(A) Accessory use.
(1) Ground source heat pump systems shall be allowed as a permitted accessory use in all zoning districts in accordance with the standards in this section.
(2) Ground source heat systems in public water bodies or water bodies owned or managed by the city shall be prohibited except when accessory to a city facility.
(B) System requirements.
(1) All ground source heat pump systems shall be closed loop systems that circulate heat transfer fluids as allowed by this section through pipes or coils buried beneath the land surface.
(2) Heat transfer fluids shall be limited to nontoxic, food grade fluids such as potable water, aqueous solutions of propylene glycol not to exceed 20% by weight, or aqueous solutions of potassium acetate not to exceed 20% by weight.
(C) Location.
(1) Ground source heat pump systems shall only be located in the rear yard as defined by this title.
(2) All components of ground source heat pump systems shall be set back a minimum of 5 feet from interior side lot lines and 10 feet from rear lot lines.
(3) Ground source heat pump systems shall not encroach upon drainage and utility easements.
(D) Screening. Ground source heat pump systems shall be screened in accordance with the requirements of § 213.06 (Screening of Mechanical Equipment) of this title.
(E) Certification. The ground source heat pump system shall be certified by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., and comply with the requirements of the International Building Code.
(F) Abandonment. Any ground source heat pump system which is inoperable for 12 successive months shall be deemed to be abandoned and shall be deemed a public nuisance. The owner shall remove the abandoned system at their expense after obtaining a demolition permit as follows.
(1) The heat pump and any external or aboveground mechanical equipment shall be removed.
(2) Pipes or coils below the land surface shall be filled with grout to displace the heat transfer fluid, which is to be captured and disposed of in accordance with state and federal regulations.
(3) The top of the pipe, coil, or boring shall be uncovered and sealed.
(G) Building permit.
(1) A building permit shall be obtained for any ground source heat pump system prior to installation.
(2) Borings for ground source heat pump systems where the pipes or coils are installed vertically below the land shall also be subject to approval by the Minnesota Department of Health.
(Ord. 2011-06-07A, passed 6-7-2011)