(a) Solar energy systems shall be permitted as accessory to a main use or building located on the same lot or parcel. Such facilities shall be designed, installed, or constructed to provide electrical power to be primarily consumed by the main use or building to which they are accessory.
(b) The Architectural Board of Review shall review solar energy systems applications for compliance with the Building Code, general design standards, and design standards established in this Planning and Zoning Code.
(c) Solar panels shall be placed on the roof of a building in accordance with the following:
(1) Solar panels shall not be visible from any street or sidewalk at the front elevation of the property unless approved in accordance with procedures set forth in subsection (d) herein.
(2) Solar panels shall not extend beyond the edge of the roof.
(3) For pitched roofs (sloped in excess of three (3) inches per foot), solar panels shall be placed parallel to the plane of pitched roof and shall be ten (10) inches or less above the surface of the roof when measured to the top of the solar panel.
(4) For low slope (pitches less than three (3) inches per foot) and flat roofs, the Architectural Board of Review may approve solar panels of alternative heights and configurations as appropriate for such roof.
(d) The Architectural Board of Review may approve the placement of solar panels in roof locations that are visible from any street or sidewalk, when the applicant has demonstrated to the Architectural Board of Review that:
(1) The alternative location is necessary to optimize system functionality;
(2) The proposed panel(s) and their location(s) are designed to minimize any adverse impacts to the neighborhood; and/or,
(3) The size and location of any structure is the minimum necessary to serve the needs of the building(s) on the property.
(e) When locating a solar panel, it is the property owner's responsibility to consider current and future development, growth of trees and vegetation, and other obstructions that might interfere with solar access. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the owner of the solar energy system from requesting or obtaining a solar access easement from any person.
(f) Solar access easements shall be in compliance with Ohio R.C. 5301.63 which sets forth the requirements for solar access. In order to ensure adequate access of solar energy collection devices to sunlight, any person may grant a solar access easement. Such easements shall be in writing and subject to the same conveyance and recording requirements as other easements. Any instrument creating a solar easement shall be recorded in the Cuyahoga County Recorder's Office.
(g) Solar panels and related equipment shall be located, oriented or screened and constructed of such material to prevent to the fullest extent practicable glare from solar panels to not be directed at any other person, building or public right of way.
(h) Solar panels shall be uniform in appearance and color, and to the extent practicable, match the design and color of the roof on which the panels will be placed.
(i) Accessory components shall be located either within a building, or within a screened enclosure behind the main building, or are hidden from view behind the parapet wall of buildings with flat roofs.
(j) Solar energy systems shall be properly maintained at all times in compliance with all manufacturers' specifications.
(Ord. 2019-39. Passed 8-13-19.)