(a) In addition to the general design standards applicable to all installations of structural or electrical components in the City of Freeport, ground mounted PV arrays shall further comply with the following design and installation requirements set forth in this section.
(b) Height Restrictions. No portion of a ground mounted PV array shall be taller than fifteen feet when measured from the ground to the highest point of a panel, at the highest angle of tilt, unless otherwise further limited by specific site requirements or Section 1250.01
(a)(10) of these Codified Ordinances.
(c) Setbacks and Pathways. No ground mounted PV array shall be mounted within any required front, side, or rear yard. No pathways shall be required except as required for general maintenance of panels.
(d) Drainage. No ground mounted PV array shall be constructed in a manner which increases drainage flow to any adjacent property. If it appears to the Community Development Director that there is a risk of increased outflow from the property by reason of the installation of a ground mounted PV array, or any impermeable or semipermeable foundation used therefor, the Community Development Director may, at his or her discretion, require the installation and maintenance of appropriate groundcover or detention areas to mitigate any such risk. If the applicant provides a written report from a qualified professional engineer which indicates that the proposed installation will not increase water flow rates from the applicant's property, this requirement shall be deemed satisfied for purposes of issuance of the permit only.
(e) Historic Districts. No ground mounted PV array shall be installed in a Historic District unless a Certificate of Appropriateness is first obtained from the Building Commission pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 1475.14
.
(f) Solar Canopies. A solar canopy shall not be deemed a ground mounted PV array for purposes of these ordinances.
(Ord. 2018-40. Passed 9-17-18.)