(A) Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings subscribed in interpreting the provisions of this section.
SOLAR PANEL. A system or series of mechanisms designed primarily to provide heating or cooling or to produce electrical or mechanical power by collecting and transferring solar- generated energy. The term includes a mechanical or chemical device that has the ability to store solar- generated energy for use in heating or cooling or in the production of power.
(B) Location and design requirements.
(1) Solar panel systems are prohibited where the installation threatens the public health or safety or violates the law, as determined by a court.
(2) Roof-mounted solar panel systems shall not extend past the roofline and shall be parallel to the roofline.
(3) Solar panel systems shall be located no closer than three feet (36 inches) from the edge of any roofline, ridge, or valley, and shall cover no more than 80% of the roof surface area.
(4) Solar panel systems may not be installed upon a roof, where the solar panel system:
(a) Extends higher than or beyond the roofline;
(b) Does not conform to the slope of the roof and has a top edge that is not parallel to the roofline; or
(c) Has a frame, a support bracket, or visible piping or wiring that is not in a silver, bronze, or black tone commonly available in the marketplace.
(5) The city designates the following areas permitted for solar panel system installation:
(a) Roof-mounted solar panel systems shall not extend past the roofline and shall be parallel to the roofline.
(b) Solar panel systems shall be located no closer than three feet (36 inches) from the edge of any roofline, ridge, or valley, and shall cover no more than 80% of the roof surface.
(C) Nuisance abatement, maintenance, and decommissioning.
(1) Glare. A solar panel shall be designed and located to avoid glare or reflection onto adjacent properties and adjacent roadways and shall not interfere with traffic or create a safety hazard.
(2) Enforcement. A solar panel system, or any component thereof, that creates glare or reflection onto adjacent properties or roadways is determined to constitute a nuisance. If a solar panel system or any component thereof is deemed to constitute a nuisance or a safety hazard, the City Manager has the authority to require the owner to remove, redesign or screening of the solar panels to the extent necessary to eliminate the glare onto adjacent property or roadway.
(3) Maintenance. The owner of the property with a solar panel system shall maintain the system so that it does not create a safety issue for surrounding property owners.
(4) Removal with disuse. Any solar panel system that has been inactive for a continuous 12-month period shall be removed.
(D) Application requirements. An application for a building permit for installation of solar panel systems must include all information requested on the application including, but not limited to:
(1) Scaled elevation drawings showing the location and height of the solar panel system.
(2) If the solar panel system is to be interconnected with the distribution system of the electric utility provider, written authorization that the public utility company has been informed of the owner's intent to install a customer-owned solar panel and that such connection has been approved.
(3) A letter from a structural engineer or its equivalent, stating the roof will support the structural load of the system.
(E) Additional installation requirements.
(1) The solar photovoltaic (PV) system shall comply with the city's adopted National Electrical Code (NEC) with an electrical diagram submitted for review to meet code compliance.
(2) The solar panel system shall be installed by qualified or certified installers.
(3) A licensed electrician shall install the solar panel electrical system.
(4) PV systems shall comply with NEC regulations regarding installation and use. Listed and labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing and labeling.
(5) All PV systems shall comply with UL standards.
(Ord. O-24-993, passed 2-21-2024)