(A) Findings. The city finds:
(1) Solar energy is an abundant, clean, and renewable energy resource.
(2) The use of renewable and alternative energy sources reduces greenhouse gas emissions and protects the natural environment.
(3) Access to solar energy and the capture and use of solar energy contributes to public health, safety, and welfare.
(B) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow for rooftop and building integrated solar energy systems as accessory uses in all zoning classifications.
(C) Definitions. Certain words, terms, and phrases used in this section shall have the following meanings:
SOLAR COLLECTOR. A device, structure or part of a device or structure for which the primary purpose is to transform solar radiant energy into thermal, mechanical, chemical, or electrical energy.
SOLAR EASEMENT. An easement that limits the height or location or both of permissible development on burdened land on which the easement is placed in terms of a structure or vegetation, or both, for the purpose of providing access for the benefitted land to sunlight passing over the land on which the easement is placed, as defined in M.S. § 500.30, Subd. 3 as may be amended.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A device, combination of devices, or structural design feature, a substantial purpose of which is to provide daylight for interior lighting or provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for space heating or cooling, electricity generating, or water heating.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, BUILDING INTEGRATED. An active solar energy system that is an integral part of a structure or structural component rather than a separate mechanical device.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, GROUND MOUNTED. A solar energy system structurally mounted to the ground which is not roof mounted.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, OFF-GRID. A photovoltaic solar system in which the circuits energized by the solar system are not electrically connected in any way to electric circuits that are served by an electric utility company.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, ROOFTOP. An active solar energy system that is structurally mounted to a code-compliant roof of an existing building or structure.
(D) Existing solar energy systems are allowed to continue as legal non-conforming uses as provided for under § 153.16. Any expansion or intensification of an existing solar energy system shall conform to the standards contained in this section as may be amended from time to time.
(E) Solar energy systems as an accessory use. Rooftop and building integrated solar energy systems are allowed as an accessory use in all zoning districts provided:
(1) If building integrated, the solar energy system shall meet the definition of solar energy system, building integrated as defined in in division (C) of this section.
(2) If affixed to the rooftop, the solar energy system shall meet the definition of solar energy system, rooftop as defined as defined in in division (C) of this section.
(3) The solar energy system shall be designed to supply solar energy only to the principal use of the subject property.
(4) A maximum of one solar energy system per lot or parcel shall be allowed.
(5) Solar energy systems which visually or aesthetically impact buildings with local historic significance or historic character are discouraged in favor of retaining the historical significance and/or character of the subject structure.
(6) Building and electrical permits shall be obtained/secured.
(7) Solar energy systems shall be placed to limit visibility from the public right-of-way or to blend into the building design, provided that minimizing visibility still allows the owner to reasonably capture solar energy.
(8) Rooftop solar energy systems:
(a) Shall not cover greater than 80% of each side of the roof to which they are affixed.
(b) Shall not exceed the maximum height allowed in the applicable zoning district.
(c) Shall not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building on which the system is mounted or affixed, except that exterior piping is allowed to extend beyond the perimeter of the building on an interior side yard exposure.
(d) Shall be flush mounted parallel to the roofline.
(e) Shall not extend above the peak or ridge of the roof.
(f) In residential districts, solar arrays shall be setback a minimum of six inches from every roof edge, peak, ridge, and valley.
(9) (a) Glare from solar energy systems to adjacent or nearby properties shall be minimized. Steps to minimize glare may include selective placement of the system, selective orientation of the panels, or rooftop screening. A glare study shall be conducted prior to system construction. Applicants may use the Solar Glare Hazard Analysis Tool (SGHAT) or equivalent. The purpose of the glare study is to identify potential impacts and mitigation strategies.
(b) Once installed, if the solar energy system creates glare onto neighboring properties and/or public rights of way and the city determines that such a glare may constitute a nuisance, the city shall require a more detailed glare study, prepared by a third-party consultant mutually acceptable to the city and applicant to identify additional actions and/or screening that may be required to substantially eliminate or block the glare from entering adjacent or nearby property and/or public rights of way.
(10) Solar energy system annual power output (kWh) shall be no more than 120% of the total energy used by the lot or parcel over the previous year. The city, at its discretion, may allow an array designed to produce more than 120% of the energy used provided an interim use permit is issued.
(Ord. 366, passed 8-7-2024)