(A) General. No solar energy system or device shall be installed or operated in the village, except in compliance with this subchapter.
(B) Rooftop and building-mounted solar collectors. Rooftop and building-mounted solar collectors are permitted in all zoning districts in the village for residential use only and subject to the following.
(1) Building permits shall be required for installation of all freestanding or ground-mounted solar collectors and all rooftop and building-mounted solar collectors.
(2) Height limitations for any system shall not exceed the height as is reasonably necessary to accomplish the purpose for which they are intended to serve, but in no event shall any freestanding or ground-mounted systems exceed five feet in height at full tilt, any rooftop or structure-mounted solar systems shall not exceed 24 inches in height and either structure should only be erected so as not to obstruct solar access to neighboring properties.
(C) Flat rooftop exception. Placement of solar collectors on flat roofs shall be allowed to exceed the height restrictions herein previously mentioned if panels do not extend horizontally past the roofline.
(D) Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. BIPV systems are permitted in all residential zoning districts.
(E) Ground-mounted and freestanding solar collectors. Ground-mounted and freestanding solar collectors are permitted as accessory structures in all residential zoning districts of the village, subject to the following conditions.
(1) Building permits are required for the installation of all solar collectors regardless of whether installed on the ground or on a rooftop or building.
(2) The location of the solar collector meets all applicable setback requirements stated herein: no system or any part thereof shall be constructed closer than eight feet to any lot line.
(3) Solar energy equipment shall be located in a manner to reasonably minimize view from neighboring lots and blockage for surrounding properties and shading of property to the north, while still providing adequate solar access for collectors.
(4) Freestanding or ground-mounted solar energy collectors shall be fenced by architectural features, earth berms, fencing, landscaping or other screening which is typical and customary with the property and surrounding area.
(F) Solar-thermal systems. Solar-thermal systems are permitted in residential zoning districts subject to the following condition: building permits are required for the installation of all solar-thermal systems.
(G) Safety risks. Solar energy systems and equipment shall be permitted only if they are determined by the village not to present any unreasonable safety risks, including, but not limited to, the following: ingress or egress in the event of fire or other emergency.
(Ord. 567, passed 11-6-2023)