(a) Applicability. The standards of this Section apply to all solar energy systems that are accessory to a principal structure or use.
(b) Review Procedure.
(1) The Planning Commission shall review solar energy system applications as a Site Plan Review in accordance with Chapter 1161 except within a designated historic district.
(2) Within any designated historic district, the Architectural Review Board shall review solar energy system applications under the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) provisions of Section 1169.04.
(c) Roof-Mounted Solar Energy Systems.
(1) Roof-mounted solar panels that are integrated with the surface layer of the roof structure or are mounted flush with the roof structure may be permitted on any roof surface of a principal building or accessory building.
(2) Roof-mounted solar panels that are mounted at an angle to the roof structure shall only be permitted on roof surfaces that face the side or rear lot.
(3) Solar panels may be mounted on flat roofs provided that panels do not extend horizontally past the roofline and there is a parapet wall or other architectural feature that screens the view of the panels from any street or sidewalk at the front elevation of the property.
(d) Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems.
(1) Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall only be permitted in the rear yard and shall be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from all lot lines.
(2) Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall not be located in any required landscape buffer.
(3) The height of the ground-mounted solar collector and any mounts shall not exceed fifteen (15) for residential uses and eighteen (18) feet for non-residential uses when oriented at maximum tilt. Solar energy systems may exceed this height limit to the minimum extent necessary for their safe and efficient operation with site plan approval by the Planning Commission.
(4) Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall be screened from any adjacent streets and adjacent properties used for residential purposes to the extent possible, without compromising the solar energy system's access to the sun, through the use of architectural features, fencing, earth berms, landscaping, or other screening which will harmonize with the character of the property and surrounding area.
(5) All power transmission lines from a ground-mounted solar energy system to any structure must be located underground.
(e) Code Compliance. Solar Energy Systems shall conform to relevant and applicable local, state and national codes.
(f) Lot Coverage. The surface area of any ground-mounted system, regardless of the mounted angle of any portion of the system, is considered impervious surface and shall be calculated as part of the property lot coverage limitations for the zoning district. See Section 1143.02: Intensity and Dimensional Standards Schedule.
(g) Solar Access. When locating a solar panel, it is the property owner's responsibility to consider current and future development, growth of trees and vegetation, and other obstructions that might interfere with solar access. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the owner of the solar energy system from requesting or obtaining a solar access easement from any person in compliance with Ohio R.C. 5301.63 which sets forth the requirements for solar access.
(h) Abandonment and Removal. A ground-mounted solar energy system is considered to be abandoned or defective if it has not been in operation for a period of twelve (12) months. If abandoned, the solar energy system shall be repaired or removed by the owner within sixty (60) days.
(i) Definitions.
(1) “Abandonment” means the discontinued use of the solar energy generation system in whole or part.
(2) “Solar energy system” means the photovoltaic cells and related accessories that are designed to convert solar energy into electrical energy; or a system consisting of solar thermal collectors, parabolic reflectors, or similar structures that are designed to harness solar energy for use as thermal energy for heating water or air and may include battery storage systems.
(3) “Solar panel” means any device used for collecting solar energy and converting it to electrical power.
(Ord. 2020-4053. Passed 1-7-21.)