(A) Height. Solar energy systems are subject to the following height requirements:
(1) Building- or roof-mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed the maximum allowed height in any zoning district. For the purposes of height measurement, solar energy systems other than building-integrated systems shall be considered to be mechanical devices and are restricted consistent with other building-mounted mechanical devices for the zoning district.
(2) Pole-mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed 15 feet in height when oriented at maximum tilt.
(B) Location within lot. Solar energy systems must meet accessory structure setbacks for the appropriate zoning district.
(1) Building- or roof-mounted solar energy systems. In addition to the building setback, the collector surface and mounting devices for building- or roof-mounted solar systems shall not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building on which the system is mounted or built, unless the collector and mounting system has been explicitly engineered to safely extend beyond the edge. The collector and racking for roof-mounted systems that have a greater pitch than the roof surface shall be set back from all roof edges by at least two feet. Exterior piping for solar hot water systems shall be allowed to extend beyond the perimeter of the building on a side yard exposure.
(C) Visibility. Solar energy systems in the CBD and any residential districts shall be designed to minimize visual impacts from the public right-of-way.
(1) Building integrated systems. Building-integrated systems shall be allowed regardless of whether the system is visible from the public right-of-way, provided the building component in which the system is integrated meets all required setback, land use, and performance standards for the district in which the building is located.
(2) Aesthetic restrictions.
(a) Roof-mounted systems shall not be restricted for aesthetic reasons if the system is not visible from the closest edge of any public right-of-way other than an alley or if the system meets the following standards:
1. Roof-mounted systems on pitched roofs that are visible from the nearest edge of the street frontage right-of-way shall have the same finished pitch as the roof and be no more than ten inches above the roof.
2. Roof-mounted systems on flat roofs that are visible from the nearest edge of the street frontage right-of-way shall not be more than five feet above the finished roof and are exempt from any rooftop equipment or mechanical system screening.
(b) Reflectors. All solar energy systems using a reflector to enhance solar production shall minimize glare from the reflector affecting adjacent or nearby properties.
(D) All solar energy systems shall comply with the Minnesota State Electrical Code.
(E) All solar energy systems shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
(F) Solar panels must be removed and properly disposed of if they are out of production for more than one year unless the Planning Commission grants an extension of time for their removal.
(Ord. 20220120-01, passed 1-20-22)