Subd. 1 Scope.
This division applies to alternative energy systems in all zoning districts.
Subd. 2 Purpose and intent.
The purpose and intent of this section is to establish standards and procedures by which the installation and operation of wind and solar energy system shall be governed within the City. The City finds that it is in the public interest to encourage alternative energy systems that have a positive impact on energy production and conservation while not having an adverse impact on the community.
Subd. 3 Definitions.
For the purpose of this section the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
Accessory
A system designed as a secondary use to existing buildings or facilities, wherein the power generated is used primarily for on-site consumption.
Building-integrated solar energy system
A solar energy system that is an integral part of a principal or accessory building, rather than a separate mechanical device, replacing or substituting for an architectural or structural component of the building including, but not limited to, photovoltaic or hot water solar systems contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights and awnings.
Flush-mounted solar energy system
A roof-mounted system mounted directly abutting the roof. The pitch of the solar collector may exceed the pitch of the roof up to 5% but shall not be higher than 10 inches above the roof.
Passive solar energy system
A system that captures solar light or heat without transforming it to another form of energy or transferring the energy via a heat exchanger.
Solar energy system
A device or structural design feature, a substantial purpose of which is to provide daylight for interior lighting or provide for the collection, storage and distribution of solar energy for space heating or cooling, electricity generation or water heating.
Total height
The highest point above natural grade reached by a rotor tip or any other part of a wind turbine.
Subd. 4 Solar Energy Standards.
Solar energy collection equipment.
(1) Zoning districts.
a. Ground-mounted solar energy systems are allowed in accordance with the standards in this section as a permitted accessory use in the AG, R-2, and R-E residential districts on lots 2 acres or greater and in the 1-1,1-2 and BP zoning districts.
b. Roof-mounted solar energy systems are allowed in accordance with the standards in this section are allowed as a permitted accessory use in all zoning districts.
(2) Exemption. Passive or building-integrated solar energy systems are exempt from the requirements of this section and shall be regulated as any other building element.
(3) Standards.
a. Location. In agricultural and residential zoning districts (lot area 2 acres or greater), ground-mounted solar energy systems are limited to the rear yard. In the I-1 and I-2 zoning districts, ground- mounted solar energy systems may be permitted in the side yard meeting accessory structure requirements in Section 1001.35.
b. Height. Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall comply with the maximum height requirements in the applicable zoning district. Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed 20 feet in height.
c. Setbacks. Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall comply with all accessory structure setbacks in the applicable zoning district. Roof-mounted systems shall comply with all building setbacks in the applicable zoning district and shall not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building on which the system is mounted.
d. Roof mounting. Roof-mounted solar collectors shall be flush mounted on pitched roofs unless the roof pitch is determined to be inadequate for optimum performance of the solar energy system in which case the pitch of the solar collector may exceed the pitch of the roof up to a maximum of 3 feet above the roof.
e. Easements. Solar energy systems shall not encroach on public drainage, utility roadway or trail easements.
f. Screening. Solar energy systems shall be screened from view to the extent possible without impacting their function.
g. Maximum area. Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall be limited to a maximum area consistent with the accessory structure limitations in Section 1001.35.
h. Aesthetics. All solar energy systems shall be designed to blend into the architecture of the building to the extent possible without negatively impacting the performance of the system and to minimize glare towards vehicular traffic and adjacent properties.
i. Glare. The panels of ground mounted solar energy systems shall be placed and arranged such that reflected solar radiation or glare shall not be directed onto adjacent buildings, properties or roadways. Prior to issuance of a permit for a ground-mounted solar system in a agricultural or residential district or on a property abutting a agricultural or residential district, the permit applicant must provide an analysis demonstrating that the ground-mounted system will not impact aesthetics of adjacent residential properties due to glare.
j. Feeder lines. The electrical collection system shall be placed underground within the interior of each parcel. The collection system may be placed overhead near substations or points on interconnection to the electric grid.
k. Structures shall not be located such that solar power access blocks a neighboring property.
l. Abandonment. If a solar energy system remains nonfunctional or inoperative for a continuous period of 1 year, the system shall be deemed to be abandoned and shall constitute a public nuisance. The owner shall remove the abandoned system at their expense after a demolition permit has been obtained. Removal includes the entire structure including transmission equipment.
(4) Permits. A building permit shall be obtained for any solar energy system prior to installation.
a. Plan application. Plan applications for solar energy systems shall be accompanied by to-scale horizontal and vertical (elevation) drawings. The drawings must show the location of the system on the building or on the property for a ground-mount system, including all property lines.
b. Pitched roof mount solar energy systems. For all roof-mounted systems other than a flat roof the elevation must show the highest finished slope of the solar collector and the slope of the finished roof surface on which it is mounted.
c. Flat roof-mounted solar energy system. For flat roof applications a drawing shall be submitted showing the distance to the roof edge and any parapets on the building and shall identify the height of the building on the street frontage side,
the shortest distance of the system from the street edge of the building, and the highest finished height of the solar collector above the finished surface of the roof.
d. Plan approvals. Applications that meet the design requirements of this section shall be granted administrative approval by the City Planner.
e. Compliance with Building Code. All active solar energy systems shall meet approval of the Building Code, consistent with the state of Minnesota Building Code and solar thermal system shall comply with HVAC-related requirements of the Energy Code.
f. Compliance with State Electric Code. All photovoltaic systems shall comply with the Minnesota State Electric Code.
(Ord. 2016-09, passed 3-8-2016)