(A) Purpose and intent. The purpose of this section is to facilitate the construction, installation and operation of solar energy systems in the city in a manner that protects the health, safety and welfare of the public.
(B) Uses.
(1) Roof-mounted solar energy systems and ground-mounted solar energy systems. Roof-mounted solar energy systems and ground-mounted solar energy systems, subject to the regulations and requirements of this section, are allowable as an accessory use in all zoning districts; and
(2) Community solar gardens and solar farms. Community solar gardens or solar farms, subject to the regulations and requirements of this section, may be allowed as a principle or accessory, conditional use within the following zoning districts: R-1 Agricultural Residence District, I-1 General Industrial District and I-2 Limited Industry District.
(C) Solar energy systems. The following standards apply to solar energy systems, subject to standards of the applicable zoning district in which they are located.
(1) Standards.
(a) Height. Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall comply, at minimum, with the height standards of the applicable zoning district and structure type (principal or accessory), however; they shall not project beyond the peak of the roof and shall not be more than three feet, measured in a vertical line, above the roof surface to which they are attached. Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed 15 feet in height.
(b) Location. Ground-mounted solar energy systems must be located in the rear yard only.
(c) Setbacks. Ground mounted solar energy systems shall comply with the accessory structure setback standards for the applicable zoning district in which they are located. Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall comply with all building setbacks in the applicable zoning district and structure type (principal or accessory) on which they are mounted and shall not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building on which the system is mounted. Community solar gardens or solar farms shall comply with the principal structure setback standards for the applicable zoning district in which they are located.
(d) Coverage. Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall not cover more than 80% of the total area of the roof. Solar energy systems must have one foot of clearance around all edges to facilitate emergency responder access.
(e) Feeder lines. All power exterior electrical or other service lines must be buried below the surface of the ground.
(f) Exemption. Building integrated solar energy systems are exempt from the requirements of this section and shall be regulated as any other building element.
(2) Safety.
(a) Compliance with Building Codes. All solar energy systems shall comply with the State Building Code and any local building code requirements.
(b) Compliance with Electric Code. All solar energy systems shall comply with the National Electrical Code.
(c) Compliance with Plumbing Code. All solar thermal systems shall comply with the State Plumbing Code.
(d) Certifications. Solar energy system components shall be certified by UL, L.L.C. (formerly known as Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.) or its equivalent. Solar energy systems shall be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation or its equivalent. The city reserves the right to deny a building permit for proposed solar energy systems deemed to have inadequate certification.
(3) Approval.
(a) Permits. The erection, alteration, improvement, reconstruction and movement of a solar energy system requires a building permit from the city.
(b) Utility notification. The owner of a solar energy system that will physically connect to a house or other building’s electrical system and/or the electric utility grid must enter into a signed interconnection agreement with the utility prior to the issuance of a building permit. Off-grid systems are exempt from this requirement.
(4) Abandonment. If the solar energy system remains nonfunctional or inoperative for more than 18 consecutive months, the system shall constitute a public nuisance. The owner shall obtain a demolition permit and remove the abandoned system at their expense. Removal includes the entire structure, including collector, mount and transmission equipment.
(5) Aesthetics. All solar energy systems shall use colors that are earth-toned. Reflection angles from collector surfaces shall be oriented so as not to interfere with the use and enjoyment of other properties. Where necessary, screening may be required to address glare.
(6) Easements. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to secure any desired solar easement to protect solar access for the system (per M.S. § 500.30, as it may be amended from time to time).
(7) Installation. Solar energy systems shall be installed only by licensed contractors.
(Ord. 296, passed 3-7-2016)