All solar energy systems erected, constructed, installed, or modified, shall, at a minimum, comply with the following standards:
(a) Building code compliance. Solar energy systems shall comply with all applicable chapters of the Ohio Building Code.
(b) Compliance with laws. Solar energy systems shall comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
(c) Visual impacts. Inherently, solar energy systems may pose some visual impacts. The purpose of this chapter is to reduce such visual impacts, while not unduly restricting a property owner's access to solar resources, accordingly:
(1) All solar energy systems shall use a color that blends with the surrounding environment, and with the roof upon which such system is mounted and use materials to minimize glare towards vehicular traffic and adjacent properties.
(2) Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall not be permitted.
(3) All applicants (for permits) shall demonstrate through project site planning and proposed mitigation that a solar energy system's visual impacts will be minimized for surrounding neighbors and the community. By way of example, but not limitation, this may include information regarding site selection, system design, and appearance.
(d) Utility connection. Solar energy systems proposed to be connected to the power grid through net metering or other means shall comply with all requirements regarding such connection imposed by federal, state, or local laws, rules, and regulations, including, but not limited to, those included within the Interconnection Agreement For Interconnection And Parallel Operation Of Certified Inverter-Based Equipment 50 KW Or Smaller, and any other agreement as may be now or hereafter required by any local utility, or state or federal agency.
(e) Maintenance.
(1) All solar energy systems shall be maintained in good working order.
(2) Any physical modification to the solar energy system that alters the number, size, location, or placement of major electrical components shall require reapplication for a new permit to be issued under this chapter. Like kind replacements shall not require reapplication.
(f) Signs. All signs, both temporary and permanent, are prohibited on solar energy systems, except as follows:
(1) Manufacturer's or installer's identification located upon any components of the solar energy system.
(2) Appropriate warning signs or placards located upon any components of the solar energy system.
(g) Location. All solar energy systems shall adhere to the following requirements:
(1) Roof-mounted solar energy systems located on a flat roof, the horizontal portion of a mansard roof or a roof surrounded by a parapet shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the edge of the roof.
(2) Roof-mounted solar energy systems located on a pitched roof must be set back a minimum of three feet from the edge of the roof and ridgeline.
(3) Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall not be located on a front building elevation, and if located on any building elevation facing within 90 degrees of a front building elevation, must adhere to all requirements as expressed within this § 1299.06(i)(2).
(h) Height.
(1) Roof-mounted solar energy systems located on a flat roof, the horizontal portion of a mansard roof or a roof surrounded by a parapet shall be mounted flush or on racks, with the panel or rack extending no more than five feet above the highest point on the roof excluding chimneys, antennae, parapets, and other similar projections.
(2) Roof-mounted solar energy systems located on a pitched roof must be mounted flush with the plane of the panels parallel with the roof surface, with the panel no more than 12 inches from the surface of the roof at any point.
(3) Roof-mounted solar energy systems are not included in the height calculations of the [zoning] district in which they are located.
(i) Later compliance. To the extent that any solar energy system in existence on the effective date of this chapter, not in compliance with the requirements as set forth within this § 1299.06 is modified, then any such modifications to be made shall be in compliance with the requirements as set forth within this § 1299.06.
(Res. 23-R-626, passed 9-19-2023)