Development of community solar energy systems is permitted by siting permit as a principal use in all zoning districts subject to the following requirements:
(A) Rooftop gardens. Rooftop gardens are permitted in all zoning districts. A building permit will not be required.
(B) Ground mount gardens. Ground mount community solar energy systems up to 2MW in size (10 - 12 acres), and require a siting permit in all districts. A building permit shall be required.
(C) Interconnection. An interconnection agreement must be completed with the electric utility in whose service territory the system is located, and included with the siting permit application.
(D) Glare. Solar collectors shall be designed such that concentrated solar glare does not project onto nearby structures, roadways, or other areas accessible to the public. After construction of the SES, the Zoning Administrator shall notify the solar operator to take reasonable steps within 30 days to mitigate the glare such as the installation of additional screening.
(E) Dimension standards. All solar garden related structures in newly platted and existing platted subdivisions shall comply with the principal structure setback, height, and coverage limitations for the district in which the system is located.
(F) A minimum separation distance of two miles between each community solar garden.
(G) Height. Systems, equipment and structures shall not exceed 20 feet in height when ground mounted. Excluded from this height requirement, however, are electric transmission lines and utility poles.
(H) Aviation protection. The applicant shall complete and provide the results of the Solar Glaze Hazard Analysis Tool (SGHAT) for the final approach paths, consistent with the Interim Policy, FAA Review of Solar Energy Projects on Federal Obligated Airports, or most recent version adopted by the FAA for solar energy systems located within one half mile of the approach zones of:
(1) A restricted landing area as defined in 14.105 of Title 92 of the Illinois Administrative Code.
(2) A private-use airport as defined in Section 157.2 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(3) A notice to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been filed under Section 157.3 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations prior to the submission of the Siting Permit Application; and
(4) An airport determination has been issued by the FAA with a determination of no objection or the airport determination remains pending.
(I) Other standards. All solar gardens shall comply with all other state and local requirements.
(Res. 2019-01, passed 3-21-2019; Ord. passed 4-21-2022; Res. 23-10, passed 5-18-2023; Ord. passed 11-28-2023)