(A) Zoning districts. Solar energy systems in accordance with the standards in this subchapter are allowed as a permitted accessory use in all zoning districts. Solar collector surfaces and all mounting devices shall comply with the minimum yard requirements of the district in which they are located, unless specifically cited elsewhere in this chapter. Solar farms shall be a conditionally permitted use in R-A Zoning areas which must address standards as set forth at City Code § 154.138 and other reasonable conditions as may be required by the City Council.
(B) Exemption. Passive or building-integrated solar energy systems are exempt from the requirements of this subchapter and shall be regulated as any other building element.
(C) Standards for accessory uses.
(1) Location. In residential zoning districts, ground-mounted solar energy systems are limited to the rear yard.
(2) 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 15 feet in height.
(3) Setbacks. Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall comply with all accessory structure setbacks in the applicable zoning district. Roof-mounted and side-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.
(4) 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 5%, but in no case shall be higher than ten inches above the roof line. Solar collectors may be bracket-mounted on flat roofs.
(5) Easements. Solar energy systems shall not encroach on public drainage, utility roadway or trail easements.
(6) Screening. Solar energy systems shall be screened from view from existing neighboring dwellings to the extent possible without impacting their function. Roof mounted collectors flush mounted shall not require screening.
(7) Maximum area. In all residential districts, ground-mounted solar energy systems shall be limited to a maximum area of 200 square feet of solar collector surfaces and all mounting devices shall comply with the minimum yard requirements of the district in which they are located, whichever is greater. The City Council may approve solar collector surfaces larger than 200 square feet as an interim use pursuant to City Code § 154.021.
(8) 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.
(9) 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.
(10) Abandonment. If a solar energy system remains non-functional or inoperative for a continuous period of one 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 within 90 days after the solar energy system is deemed to be abandoned. Removal includes the entire structure including transmission equipment, structures and foundations, and the restoration of soil and vegetation.
(D) Permits. A building permit shall be obtained for any solar energy system prior to installation.
(E) Administrative review process.
(1) In general. The Building Official, in consultation with the City Planner, shall have up to 15 working days following the submittal of a complete application to approve or deny the application. The Building Official may impose conditions and require guarantees deemed reasonable and necessary to protect the public interest and to ensure compliance with the standards and purposes of this chapter and policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
(2) Submittal requirements. An application for a solar energy system shall be filed on a form approved by the Building Official. In addition, the applicant shall submit the following:
(a) Plan Applications. 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 the property lines and proposed screening, if required.
(b) Plan Approvals. Applications that meet the design requirements of this ordinance and have total solar collector surfaces of less than 200 square feet, when ground mounted, shall be granted administrative approval by the zoning official and shall not require Planning Commission review. Plan approval does not indicate compliance with Building Code or Electric Code.
(c) Approved Solar Components. Electric solar energy system components must have a UL or equivalent listing and solar hot water systems must have an SRCC rating.
(d) Compliance with Building Code. All solar energy systems shall meet approval of local building code officials, consistent with the State of Minnesota Building Code, and solar thermal systems shall comply with HVAC-related requirements of the Energy Code.
(e) Compliance with State Electric Code. All photovoltaic systems shall comply with the Minnesota State Electric Code.
(f) Compliance with State Plumbing Code. Solar thermal systems shall comply with applicable Minnesota State Plumbing Code requirements.
(g) Utility Notification. All grid-intertie solar energy systems shall comply with the interconnection requirements of the electric utility. Off-grid systems are exempt from this requirement.
(2002 Code, § 7.44) (Ord. 21, Seventh Series, effective 6-15-2015; Ord. 11, Eighth Series, effective - -2021)