(A) Districts. Solar energy systems (SES) shall be allowed as an accessory use in all zoning districts.
(B) General standards.
(1) Height.
(a) Roof- or building-mounted SES in residential districts shall extend no more than three feet above the highest surface of the roof, and shall be setback at least one foot from the exterior perimeter.
(b) Roof- or building-mounted SES in commercial or industrial districts shall not exceed the maximum allowed height in that zoning district. For purposes for height measurement, solar systems other than building-integrated solar systems shall be considered to be mechanical equipment and are restricted consistent with other building-mounted mechanical devices.
(c) Ground-mounted SES shall not exceed the height of an allowed accessory structure within the zoning district when oriented at maximum tilt.
(2) Placement.
(a) Ground-mounted SES shall be treated as accessory buildings for the purpose of maximum height, maximum lot area coverage, location and setback requirements.
(b) Ground-mounted SES shall be screened from view to the extent possible without reducing their efficiency. Screening may include walls, fences or landscaping.
(3) Notification. Prior to the installation of a SES, the operator must provide evidence showing their regular electrical service provider has been informed of the customer’s intent to install an interconnected, customer-owned SES. Off-grid systems shall be exempt from this requirement.
(4) Feeder lines. Any lines accompanying a SES, other than those attached to on-site structures by leads, shall be buried within the interior of the subject parcel, unless there are existing lines in the area which the lines accompanying an SES can be attached.
(5) Commercial. All SES shall be limited to the purpose of on-site energy production, except that any additional energy produced above the total onsite demand may be sold to the operator’s regular electrical service provider in accordance with any agreement provided by the same or applicable legislation.
(6) Restrictions on SES limited. No homeowners’ agreement, covenant, common interest community or other contract between multiple property owners within a subdivision of the city shall restrict or limit solar systems to a great extent that city’s renewable energy ordinance.
(7) Protection. The city encourages solar access to be protected in all new subdivisions and allows for existing solar to be protected consistent with state statutes. Any solar easements filed, must be consistent with M.S. Ch. 500, § 30, as it may be amended from time to time.
(C) Abandonment. A SES that is allowed to remain in a non-functional or inoperative state for a period of 12 consecutive months, and which is not brought in operation within the time specified by the city, shall be presumed abandoned and may be declared a public nuisance subject to removal at the expense of the operator.
(Prior Code, § 1128.03)