(A) Ground-mounted or freestanding solar collectors or accessory structures are not permitted in the city except where:
(1) They are located in a rear or side yard;
(2) The size and topography of the lot on which they are located allows for placement such that they are completely screened by legally compliant means from all public and private view from all locations that are normal areas of habitation or legal access; and
(3) The highest point of any component or accessory structure does not exceed four feet above the grade at the point where affixed to the earth.
(B) Solar collectors and any support structures must be colored so as to blend in with the surface on which they are mounted. Roof mounted collectors must be laid out in a symmetrical pattern relative to the entire roof plane on which they are mounted without cutout areas or excessive jagged borders. The pattern of collectors shall be arranged so as to minimize visual attraction.
(C) No part of any roof mounted solar collector or support structure shall be placed within two feet of any roofline.
(D) The height of any roof mounted solar collector and any support structure shall not extend more than two feet above the roof surface where mounted when oriented at maximum tilt, and at least one corner of every collector shall be within three inches of the roof surface where mounted.
(E) Solar energy collectors shall be screened when possible and practicable through the use of architectural features, landscaping, or other screening which will harmonize with the character of the property and surrounding area. Such screening shall be compliant with all applicable city ordinances.
(F) Solar collector panels shall be arranged and positioned so as to eliminate any glare and reflection that would adversely impact the use and enjoyment of the occupants of other houses and properties.
(G) If storage batteries are included as part of the solar collector system, they must be located in a secure container or enclosure meeting the requirements of the state’s Building Code when in use, and, when no longer used, shall be disposed of in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
(H) If a solar energy system ceases to perform its originally intended function for more than six consecutive months, the property owner shall remove the collector, mount any associated equipment by no later than 90 days after the end of the six-month period, and shall restore the remaining roof and building components such that there is no visual remnant of the removed system.
(I) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as conferring any right of solar access to an installation of a solar energy system.
(2008 Code, § 15.14.040) Penalty, see § 151.99