(1) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish regulations for the installation of solar energy systems in locations that are not detrimental to the public health safety and welfare of neighboring property owners or occupants.
(2) Zoning district. Solar energy systems in compliance with the standards in this section are allowed as a permitted accessory use in all zoning districts. This does not include solar farms.
(3) Standards.
(a) Exemption. Passive or building integrated solar energy systems are exempt from the requirements of this chapter and shall be regulated as any other building element.
(b) Height.
1. Rural and residential roof mounted solar energy systems are allowed subject to the following conditions:
a. The system is permitted to exceed the maximum height requirements in the applicable zoning district up to 18 inches above the rooftop to which it is attached.
b. The system shall be installed parallel to the rooftop to which it is attached.
2. Rural and residential ground mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed ten feet in height.
3. Business, Industrial, and Special District roof mounted solar energy systems are allowed subject to the following conditions:
a. The system is permitted to project a maximum of four feet from the roof to which is it attached.
b. The pitch shall not exceed 40% at maximum tilt.
c. The system shall not exceed 15 feet in height at maximum tilt.
4. Ground mounted solar energy systems must be engineered to include three feet of clearance from grade to bottom of the solar energy system.
(c) Location. Ground mounted solar energy systems shall not be located in any front yard in any zoning district except within rural zoning districts, they shall be located at least 100 feet from the front lot line.
(d) Setbacks. Ground mounted solar energy systems shall comply with all accessory structure setbacks in the applicable zoning district. Roof mounted systems shall comply with all building setbacks in the applicable zoning district and shall not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building on which the system is mounted.
(e) Roof mounting. Roof mounted solar collectors may be flush mounted or bracket mounted. Bracket mounted collectors shall be permitted only when a determination is made by the City Building Official that the underlying roof structure will support apparatus, wind, and snow loads and all applicable building standards are satisfied.
(f) Easements. Solar energy systems shall not be located in any public easement.
(g) Screening. Ground mounted systems shall be screened from view and the public right-of-way to the extent practicable without impacting their function. Solar energy systems are exempt from screening requirements for rooftop mechanical equipment.
(h) Maximum area.
1. Rural and residential ground mounted solar energy systems shall be limited to 5% of the lot area.
2. Business, industrial, and special district ground mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed more than 25% of the yard in which the solar energy system is located.
3. Ground mounted solar energy systems are exempt from maximum impervious surface limitations in each zoning district.
4. All solar energy systems shall minimize glare toward vehicular traffic and adjacent properties.
(i) Feeder lines. The electrical collection system shall be located underground within the interior of each parcel. The collection system may be located overhead near substations or points of interconnection to the electric grid.
(j) Safety.
1. Standards. Solar energy systems shall meet the minimum standards of all applicable federal, state, local, or other standards as determined by the City Building Official.
2. Certification. Solar energy systems shall be certified by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation or other body as determined by the City Building Official. The City reserves the right to deny a building permit for proposed solar energy systems deemed to have inadequate certification.
3. Utility connection. All grid connected systems shall have an agreement with the local utility prior to the issuance of a building permit. A visible external disconnect shall be provided if required by the utility.
(k) Abandonment. If a solar energy system remains nonfunctional or inoperative for a continuous period of one year, the system shall be deemed to be abandoned and shall constitute a public nuisance. The owner shall remove the abandoned system at their expense after a demolition permit has been obtained. Removal includes the entire structure including transmission equipment.
(l) Permit. A building permit shall be obtained for any solar energy system prior to installation. A building permit submittal shall include the following: to scale site plan, manufacturers and installation specifications, a complete structural review worksheet for residential roof mounted solar arrays and any additional information requested by city staff and/or the Building Official.