1187.06 FREE-STANDING OR GROUND MOUNTED SOLAR ARRAYS.

   Free-standing or ground mounted Solar Arrays shall be permitted in all Use Districts, if unable to otherwise be roof mounted, in conformance with the following criteria and standards:

   (a)    Maximum Height. Free-standing or ground mounted Solar Arrays shall not exceed a maximum height of fifteen (15) feet measured to the highest projection of any Solar Panel in final configuration and orientation.

   (b)    Minimum Setback. Free-standing or ground mounted Solar Arrays shall be in compliance with the setback requirements for accessory buildings in the applicable zoning district.

   (c)    Location. Free-standing or ground mounted Solar Arrays shall be located only in the rear yard and behind the setback line of the principal building to which such facility is accessory.

   (d)    Structural Support and Wind Load. Free-standing or ground mounted Solar Arrays shall have appropriate structural support and shall be designed to withstand winds of one hundred and fifteen (115) miles per hour, or as otherwise required by the Ohio Building Code. Footer depth for the supporting poles shall be forty-two (42) inches below grade, or as otherwise required by the Ohio Building Code.

   (e)    Accessory Components. All accessory components shall be located either within the principal building or behind the principal building and within the side and rear building setback lines. Ground mounted electrical and control equipment shall be labeled and secured to prevent unauthorized access. Accessory components shall be screened from view from public rights-of-way and adjacent properties.

   (f)    Wiring. All electrical connections between free-standing or ground mounted Solar Arrays and the principal building shall be located underground.

      (Ord. 2021-8. Passed 2-21-22.)