(a) Purpose and Intent.
(1) The purpose of this Section is to ensure that solar energy systems are appropriately designed, and safely sited and installed, with the intent to balance the need for clean, renewable energy resources and the necessity to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the community.
(2) This Section establishes supplemental standards for solar energy systems to be located within the various zones, in association with a primary use or principal structure, and installed and operated in a manner that is consistent with the base zone and will not compromise adjacent uses.
(3) In the event of a conflict between the standards in this Section and the standards in the applicable zones, the standards of this Section shall control.
(b) Permit Required.
(1) Permits. Prior to the installation of a solar energy system, a zoning certificate and building permit approval is required. When a Conditional Use Permit is required, it is identified in the appropriate Section.
(2) Application. Applications for a solar energy system must be filed on the form(s) provided by the Department, together with all required fees and/or deposits in compliance with Section 1107.13, Applications and all other information and materials specified by the application requirements list provided by the Village. Applications shall include:
A. A site plan of the property showing the exact location of the proposed alternative energy system, all existing utility lines (specifically indicating overhead lines), setbacks, easements, and all other structures on the premises.
B. A description of the proposed alternative energy system, including information regarding its construction, method of assembly, installation and intended use as either a primary, ancillary or back-up power or emergency power source, and method of disposal once the solar energy system ceases operation or is replaced
C. Plans showing the specifications and elevations of the proposed system.
D. A landscaping plan showing the size, quantity, and types of landscaping materials to be used for screening, in compliance with Section 1105.11, Landscaping and Buffering; and
E. If the applicant is not the owner of the premises, the application shall include a statement by the owner giving the applicant written consent to install the system on the premises.
(3) Appeals and Variances. Applications for deviations from the standards of this Section shall be processed in compliance with the procedures in Section 1107.27, Appeals.
(c) Solar Energy Systems.
(1) Roof Mounted Solar Energy Systems.
A. Flat and Low sloped roofs. Roof mounted solar energy systems on flat and low sloped roofs not visible from any street are allowed in all zones subject to compliance with the standards in this Section.
B. Pitched Roofs. Roof mounted solar energy systems on pitched roofs are allowed in all zones subject to compliance with this Section.
C. Location.
1. No portion of any roof-mounted solar energy system may extend below the roof line or above the highest point of the roof.
2. All solar panels must be configured contiguous in a regular quadrangular shape and aligned with existing roof edges.
3. All solar panels must be positioned within the field of the roof plane with a proportional margin of roof between the panel and roof edges.
D. Height. Roof mounted solar energy systems shall be either integrated into the roof layer or a separate flush mounted panel attached to the roof surface and must not project vertically if installed on a pitched roof. The use of standard, low profile mounting hardware required to attach panels to a roof surface must not be considered a projection. Panels or tubing installed on flat roofs may project vertically if not visible from any street and adjacent property.
E. Appearance.
1. All solar panels must have a non-reflective coating to minimize glare.
2. Roof mounted installations must be consistent in appearance.
3. All mounting brackets and related structural supports must not extend more than six inches above the roof surface and must be covered in a manner architecturally compatible with the building to screen from public visibility and/or abutting properties.
4. All wires and other associated appurtenances related to a solar energy system must be installed below the roof line, in a secure location and must not be visible from any street.
(2) Ground Mounted Solar Energy Systems. Ground mounted solar energy systems require approval of a Conditional Use Permit only in the Industrial Light (IL) and Industrial Heavy (IH) zones and must comply with the standards of Section 1105.09(c) and the following:
A. Location. Ground mounted solar energy systems shall only be placed in the rear or side yard or within a paved parking lot with sufficient clearance to accommodate passenger vehicles only.
B. Setbacks. All ground mounted systems must comply with the setbacks for accessory buildings and structures. If installed in a paved parking lot, ground mounted systems must comply with the appropriate parking setback standards.
C. Height. The maximum height must not exceed 13 feet, including parking lot installations.
D. Screening. Appropriate landscaping and/or fencing is required for safety and screening purposes, in compliance with Section 1105.11, Landscaping and Buffering. This provision may be modified by the Zoning Administrator if strict compliance would result in no or poor productivity, as established by evidence provided by the applicant.
E. Maintenance. The ground area under installations must be maintained; if a hard surface is installed, lot coverage standards in the base zone must be met.
F. Safety. Ground mounted solar energy systems must be appropriately labeled and secured from unauthorized access.
G. Glare. Ground mounted solar energy systems must be installed to prevent any negative impact of glare or reflection onto any neighboring property or right-of-way.
(Ord. 22-2021. Passed 9-7-21.)