(A) Building permit for a renewable energy system shall be applied for and reviewed under the procedures established in the National Electrical Code, state statutes, and city zoning code.
(1) Permit required. Renewable energy systems are a permitted use in all zones provided that the following standards are met.
(2) Site plan. The site plan shall contain the date, scale, north arrow and the following items:
(a) Property lines and physical dimensions of the property;
(b) Location, dimensions, and types of existing structures on the property;
(c) Location of the proposed renewable energy systems;
(d) The right-of-way of any public road that is contiguous with the property; and
(e) All overhead utility lines.
(3) Exception. Site plans are not required for roof-mounted solar systems.
(B) Engineering drawings shall include, but not limited to, the following items:
(1) Engineered foundation and renewable energy system drawings stamped by a professional engineer licensed in the state;
(2) Engineered foundation or structure (roof and the like) where the renewable energy system will be installed and renewable energy systems drawings stamped by a professional engineer licensed in the state;
(3) An engineering stamp is not required when all of the following requirements are met: Flush-mounted OEM racking roof installations and total panel weight including mounting hardware does not exceed four pounds per square foot;
(4) Specifications associated with the installation of the renewable energy system and related equipment; and/or
(5) The location of all emergency power disconnect switches.
(C) There shall be no signs posted on a renewable energy system or any associated building, except for the manufacturer’s or installer’s identification, appropriate warning signs, or owner identification.
(D) Renewable energy systems and equipment shall be labeled and secured to prevent unauthorized access.
(E) Systems shall not cause interference with television, satellite, microwave, navigational, or radio reception to neighboring properties and areas.
(F) All renewable energy systems must be placed in rear yards, except roof-mounted solar systems.
(G) Systems shall be in compliance with any applicable local, state, and federal regulatory standards, including, but not limited to, the state’s Uniform Building Code, as amended, and the National Electric Code, as amended.
(H) Renewable energy systems that are out-of-service for a continuous period of 365 days shall be deemed to have been abandoned and shall either be recommissioned into service as installed or decommissioned and removed, as well as all associated apparatus. Roof-mounted solar systems are exempt from this requirement.
(I) Signing the building permit application constitutes as evidence of the consent of the owner/agents to the terms of this chapter.
(Ord. 2017-002, passed 6-13-2017) Penalty, see § 152.99