§ 151.020 SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS.
   (A)   Roof mounted solar energy systems.
      (1)   Solar panels shall be permitted on any roof in any zoning district as permitted accessory uses.
      (2)   Solar panels shall be flush with the roof line when possible, and shall not be elevated more than 30 degrees off the roof pitch where it is attached or no more than 5 feet, whichever is less. Solar panels shall not extend beyond the roof line and shall be located no closer than 10 feet from an adjacent property line. Solar panels shall not be located on a roof face that faces the front yard of a lot. Solar panels may cover 100% of the roof of non-residential buildings provided that they are fully screened from view on all sides of the building as viewed from ground level.
      (3)   Solar shingles shall be permitted to cover any amount of a roof without the location limitation above provided that they are incorporated into and made to appear as part of the roof, continuous in area without gaps, rectangular in shape and do not cause glare to reflect on to neighboring properties.
      (4)   All frame and visible structural parts of a solar panel shall match the roof color. No solar panel shall be artificially lighted.
      (5)   A building permit shall be required prior to erecting any solar panel. Mounting for such systems shall be in conformance with all electrical codes and building codes to ensure wind and weight loading requirements are met. Plans shall be stamped by a licensed structural engineer and by a qualified inspector for such installation.
      (6)   Solar panels shall not be permitted in any location other than the surface of the roof of the structure, unless otherwise specified in the subject zoning district.
      (7)   Solar panels shall be primarily used to generate energy for the property where it is located.
   (B)   Ground-mounted solar energy systems.
      (1)   Freestanding ground-mounted solar energy systems are permitted within all business, industrial and agricultural districts. No freestanding panels shall be allowed in any residential zoning district.
      (2)   Solar panels shall be set back as follows:
         (a)   In all zoning districts, systems shall not be located in any required front yard or corner side yard;
         (b)   In all zoning districts, systems shall comply with the respective setback requirements, as measured from the property line to the closest edge of the system; and
         (c)   The total solar panel surface area shall be included in the floor area ratio calculations for the respective zoning district.
      (3)   Solar panels shall not exceed the height limits for accessory structures in the respective zoning district, as measured from adjoining grade at base to the highest elevation of the equipment.
      (4)   A building permit shall be required prior to erecting any solar panel. Mounting for such systems shall be in conformance with all electrical codes and building codes to ensure wind and weight loading requirements are met. Plans shall be stamped by a licensed structural engineer and by a qualified inspector for such installation. Plans should identify any buffering and how the area under the solar panels will be maintained.
(Ord. 2015-08, § 3.18, passed 6-23-2015; Am. Ord. 2022-10, passed 10-25-2022)