Transportation and utility accessory uses are those which are incidental and subordinate to, and serving, the principal use. Generally, any principle transportation and utility use permitted by right within the applicable zoning district may, upon review and approval of the zoning administrator, be permitted as an accessory use. Transportation and utility uses that require special use approval as a principal use in the applicable zoning district shall also require special use approval prior to establishment as an accessory use. Additionally, the City of Moline wishes to allow the safe, effective, and efficient use of renewable energy systems which will reduce pollution and dependence on nonrenewable energy resources. The following provide specific standards for accessory utility uses permitted by right or by special use permit within the applicable zoning districts.
(1) GENERAL.
a. A solar panel may be building mounted or freestanding.
b. Solar panels must be placed so that concentrated solar radiation or glare is not directed onto nearby properties or roadways. All solar access visible from public rights of way should meet the requirements of mechanical equipment screening at Sec. 35-5502.
(2) BUILDING MOUNTED SOLAR SYSTEMS.
a. Shall be mounted on a principle or major accessory structure.
b. Shall not project more than five (5) feet above the attached roof.
c. On pitched roof buildings, shall not project more than eighteen (18) inches from the attached building wall or roof edge unless demonstrated to the zoning administrator, that the proposed installation will integrate into the design of the building and will not project into minimum yard setback.
d. On flat roofed buildings up to 40 feet in height, the roof-mounted solar panel system is limited to a maximum height of six (6) feet above the surface of the roof. On flat roofed buildings over forty (40) feet in height, the roof-mounted solar panel system is limited to fifteen (15) feet above the height of such structure. Roof-mounted solar energy systems are excluded from the calculation of building height.
e. Wall-mounted solar panels may project up to two point five (2.5) feet from a building façade and must be integrated into the structure as an architectural feature.
(3) FREESTANDING SOLAR SYSTEMS.
a. In residential zoning districts, shall be limited to one (1) system per lot with a maximum overall height of fifteen (15) feet and a maximum array size of two hundred and forty (240) square feet.
b. In non-residential and resource zoning districts, multiple systems are allowed, however, each system shall have a maximum overall height of fifteen (15) feet. Minimum landscaping surface ratio requirements from Table 35-3301.1 apply.
c. Shall meet accessory structure setbacks established in Article III for the applicable zoning district. In residential districts, shall be located behind the principle structure, opposite the street, or in a rear yard.
d. Shall be secured from climbing and unauthorized access.
(4) SOLAR SYSTEMS LOCATED IN HISTORIC DISTRICT / LOCALLY DESIGNATED LANDMARKS.
a. On pitched roof buildings located in a historic district, roof mounted solar panels shall be flush mounted and not alter the slope of the roof.
b. Panels shall be positioned on rear slopes not visible to the public right-of-way.
c. Panels shall be positioned behind existing architectural features such as parapets, dormers, and chimneys to limit their visibility.
d. Solar panels and mounting systems shall use compatible colors to established roof materials.
e. Panels on flat roofs should remain unseen from the public right-of-way.”