(B) Application plans. Every solar permit for the construction, alteration or relocation of a solar energy system shall be accompanied with a written plan and drawing for the proposed solar energy system.
(1) The written plan shall:
(a) Identify the owner and operator of the proposed solar energy system;
(b) Indicate the zoning classification of the property and whether the solar energy system will be an accessory or principal use;
(c) Include to-scale horizontal and vertical drawings showing the location of the system on the building or on the property, including all set-back and property lines, and the elevation of the solar energy system; and
(d) For roof-mounted solar energy systems other than a flat roof, the elevation must show the highest finished slope of the solar collector and the slope of the finished roof surface on which it is mounted.
(2) No solar permit shall be issued except after approval of the plans and payment of the fee as provided for herein.
(C) Decommissioning plan. If the solar energy system will be designated as a principal use upon the property, a decommissioning plan shall be submitted with the application for a solar permit. The plan shall ensure that the owner or operator properly removes the equipment and/or facilities upon the abandonment or end of the project’s term or after the solar energy system’s useful life. A decommissioning plan shall include the following:
(1) The anticipated means and costs of removing the solar energy system;
(2) Provisions for the removal of all structures and foundations, including the removal of all electrical transmission components and the restoration of soil and vegetation;
(3) The identity of the party or parties responsible for decommissioning; and
(4) (a) A plan ensuring financial resources will be available to fully decommission the site. This may include a requirement for the posting of a bond, letter of credit, or establishment of an escrow account to ensure proper decommissioning.
(b) The posting of a bond may be required prior to the issuance of a solar permit.
(D) Application fees. Every application for a solar permit as provided for herein shall be charged an application processing fee based on the total wattage anticipated to be generated by the solar energy system:
Total Wattage (kilowatts (kW)) |
Charge |
Total Wattage (kilowatts (kW)) |
Charge |
0 to 10 | $150 |
11 to 50 | $300 |
51 to 100 | $600 |
101 to 500 | $1,200 |
501 to 1,000 | $2,750 |
1,000 to 2,000 | $6,000 |
Over 2,000 | $6,000, plus $200 for each additional 100 kW |
(E) Fee surcharge. Any person who constructs, alters, relocates or demolishes a solar energy system prior to the application, payment and issuance of a solar permit as required herein shall be charged two times the application fee.
(Ord. 2018-14, passed 8-6-2018)