Roof-mounted solar energy systems in Zones R-E, R-L, R-M, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Single-Family Residential Districts, RO-1 Restricted Office District and C-1 Commercial District shall comply with the following regulations.
(a) Permit Required. A building permit shall be required for installation of roof mounted systems.
(b) Type of System. Roof-mounted solar energy systems, also referred to as solar panels, may include integrated solar panels as the surface layer of the roof structure with no additional apparent change in relief or projection, or separate flush mounted solar panels attached to the roof.
(c) Mounting and Projection.
(1) Sloped Roofs:
A. Solar panels shall be mounted flush (within six inches of the roof surface), shall not project above the peak of the roof, and if integrated solar panels that also serve as the surface layer of the roof structure with no additional apparent change in relief or projection, then not beyond any roof edge.
B. Solar panels shall not be mounted on any roof that is steeper than 11/12 pitch or on the face of any building.
C. Solar panels that are separate flush mounted solar panels attached to the roof shall be set back a minimum of two feet from any roof edge.
(2) Flat Roofs:
A. Solar panels shall not project more than two feet above the roof plane at its highest point on the back edge of any panel. Front edge of the panel shall be no greater than six inches from the roof plane.
B. Solar panels shall be set back a minimum of two feet from any roof edge.
C. Framework and/or hardware used to affix the solar panels that is visible from the edge of the structure must be the same color as the roof underneath so as to minimize the visual impact of the system.
(d) Height. In no case is a roof mounted solar energy system in Zones R-E, R-L, R-M, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Single-Family Residential Districts, RO-1 Restricted Office District and C-1 Commercial District permitted to be installed in a manner that would exceed the maximum height restrictions applicable for the property.
(e) Glare and Screening.
(1) Glare: Glare shall not be generated that would project onto adjacent property; therefore, non-reflectiveness through design, material, or a combination of both, must be demonstrated in the submitted plans.
(2) Screening: Vegetative or architectural screening may be required if, in the determination of the Building Official, the roof mounted solar energy system is proposed in a location or manner that is reasonably expected to be negatively impactful in terms of glare, noise, or visual impact to adjacent property owners and the effects can be mitigated by such means.
(f) Removal. If a roof-mounted solar energy system in Zones R-E, R-L, R-M, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Single-Family Residential Districts, RO-1 Restricted Office District and C-1 Commercial District ceases to perform its intended function (generating electricity) for more than six consecutive months, the operator must remove the collectors, mounts, and associated equipment and facilities no later than 90 days after the end of the six-month period. Where the removal has not been lawfully completed as required above, and after at least 30 days' written notice, the Village may remove or secure the removal of the solar energy system or portion thereof, with the Village's actual cost of administrative and legal charges to be placed as a lien on the property.
(Ord. 2020-05. Passed 9-14-20.)