(A) General.
(1) Lighting. Solar energy systems shall be lit only if required by an applicable authority. Lighting of other parts of the solar energy systems, such as appurtenant structures, shall be limited to that required for safety and operational purposes, and shall be reasonably shielded from abutting structures.
(2) Construction codes. To extent applicable, the solar system shall comply with the Ohio Building Code and any other applicable building and fire codes.
(3) Electrical codes. Permit applications for solar energy systems shall be accompanied by a line drawing of the electrical components, as supplied by the manufacturer, in sufficient detail to allow for determination that the manner of installation conforms to all relevant and applicable local, state, and national codes, including the current national electric code NEC (NFPA 70). Solar energy systems interconnected to local utility shall have provide surge and lightning arrestors. All solar energy systems shall be grounded to reduce lightning strikes. All electrical lines and utility wires shall be buried underground.
(4) Utility notification. Permits for solar energy systems shall not be issued until evidence has been provided that the utility company approves the customer's intent to install an interconnected customer-owned generator. Applicant shall supply the letter of approval from the utility company at the time of application.
(5) Appearance and signage. The factory or original equipment manufacturer identification and/or logo are permitted. Required signage and emergency services disconnect placard shall be appropriate warning signs (danger-high voltage or caution-electrical shock hazard or ai1y other recognized safety precaution signage) installed at the base of the solar array.
(6) Installation. Solar panels must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's design and operation standards, as well as all county, state, and federal guidelines. Reasonable access for emergency response shall be provided to all solar systems and components including a 24-inch clear area around all flat-roof or ground-mounted solar array(s).
(7) Roof-mounted. Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall be permitted in all zoning districts provided the roof- mounted solar system subject to all other requirements of zoning and building regulations, and all applicable local and state fire and building codes. Pitched roof-mounted arrays shall be parallel to the roof. The distance between the roof and the uppermost portion of the solar panels shall not exceed 18 inches. Pitched-roof-mounted solar systems shall not be located within twenty-four inches of the edge of the roof. Roof-mounted panels on a flat roof shall not project vertically more than five feet from the surface of the roof and shall be buffered as prescribed by village ordinance. At no time should any portion of a panel extend beyond the highest point of the respective roof line section, regardless of roof type in a residential area. Roof mounted panels can only be located on rear yard facing roof sections. Panels are not permitted on slate, stone, or clay tile roofing.
(8) Ground-mounted.
(a) Ground-mounted solar panels located on the ground or attached to a framework located on the ground shall not exceed four feet in height above the adjacent grade.
(b) All related equipment shall be buffered from the adjacent properties by fencing and/or approved landscaping features and must be maintained and effective through the life of the system.
(c) Ground-mounted solar panel arrays shall not exceed 25% of the required rear yard and within the setbacks defined by other chapters of the village ordinances.
(d) Non-residential. Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall be permitted in the rear yard only of a nonresidential property but shall not be located within the rear yard setback of any nonresidential property. Ground-mounted solar energy equipment shall be installed in compliance with the applicable building code.
(e) Residential. Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall not be permitted in the front or side yard of a residential property. Such equipment shall be subject to the applicable rear yard coverage regulations and setbacks for accessory structures.
(f) Rainwater run-off must not be directed to neighboring properties and should be directed to public storm water systems.
(g) Any trees obstructing installation or efficient operation of the solar system must be separately approved and permitted for removal. These trees must be identified at time of application.
(h) Commercial and retail business. No ground installations permitted.
(i) Historical District I Landmark Structures. No ground installations permitted. Only solar shingles or equivalent may be utilized after review from the Architectural Review Board.
(Ord. O-3-22, passed 2-28-2022)