Building-mounted solar energy systems shall be developed according to the following parameters:
A. Residential:
1. Location: Building-mounted systems are permitted in the following locations:
a. Principal structures. Solar Energy Systems, Building-Integrated, shall be allowed on the roof of the principal structure of the property only and must be mounted flush with the slope of the roof to ensure the lowest profile permissible per manufacturer specifications. Solar shingles integral to the roof of the structure on which they are installed, may be installed on any roof face provided that the entire face of the roof level is covered by the SES. Solar collection devices shall not be constructed on any part of the vertical portion of a mansard roof. Roof-Mounted Solar Energy Systems are permitted provided:
(1) Trim caps are installed on every edge;
(2) The Roof Mounted Solar Energy System does not extend more than six inches (6") above the roof surface;
(3) The Roof Mounted Solar Energy System is not installed on that portion of a roof that faces a street; and
(4) Conduit shall be installed close to gutter lines and painted to match the surface where it is installed or otherwise masked.
b. Exterior Materials. Exterior materials for a solar energy system must match the appearance of architectural shingles or cedar shake shingles and match the color of any existing roof shingles.
2. Orientation: Panels shall be oriented to maximize solar access.
a. Sloping Roof: Solar energy systems shall be mounted flush with the roof, shall not have a highest finished pitch steeper than the roof pitch on which the system is mounted, and the surface of the collector shall not extend any further than one inch (1") from the roof surface at any point. No portion of the solar collectors shall extend beyond the ridgeline of the roof at any point. The total height of the building, including the solar collection devices, shall comply with the height regulations of the zoning district.
b. Flat Roof: Solar collection devices mounted on a flat roof may be oriented to achieve maximum sun exposure but shall not exceed one and one-half inches (1.5") in overall height, or extend above the building parapet. No such mounted panel shall exceed the height regulations of the zoning district.
c. Projection: The collector surface and mounting devices for building-mounted solar energy systems shall cover the entire face of the roof level and not extend beyond the roof edge or the exterior perimeter of the principal structure.
d. Roof Access: Building-mounted solar energy systems shall allow for adequate roof access for fire-fighting purposes.
B. Nonresidential:
1. Location: Building-mounted systems are permitted in the following locations:
a. Principal structures.
b. Any roof face, with the exception of mansard roofs.
2. Orientation: Panels shall be oriented to maximize solar access.
3. Height: Height is measured from the roof surface, on which the system is mounted, to the highest edge of the system.
a. Sloping Roof: Solar collection devices mounted on a sloping roof shall be mounted parallel to the roof whenever possible, and shall not exceed a height of one inches (1") above the ridge of the roof. No such mounted panel shall exceed the maximum permitted height of the structure.
b. Flat Roof: Solar collection devices mounted on a flat roof shall not extend above the building parapet. Solar collection devices shall be consolidated into array groupings located toward the center of the roof, where feasible, rather than situated in a disjointed manner. No such mounted panel shall exceed the maximum permitted height regulations of the zoning district and no panel shall be visible from the street.
4. Projection: The collector surface and mounting devices for building-mounted solar energy systems shall not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building on which the system is mounted or built.
5. Roof Access: Building-mounted solar energy systems shall allow for adequate roof access for fire-fighting purposes.
(Ord. 20-O-003, 1-21-2020; amd. Ord. 23-O-022, 12-19-2023)