A. General Requirements: The requirements set forth in this section shall govern the construction and/or installation of all Solar Energy Systems governed by this chapter.
1. Applicability: The provisions in this chapter are intended to establish parameters by which Solar Energy Systems may be installed in the City. Wind Energy Systems and Solar Farm Energy Systems are not permitted. Additional solar energy installations not explicitly addressed herein may be authorized, subject to compliance with the applicable Building Codes and standards of the City.
2. Use: Except as authorized by the City Council or its designee for public utility purposes, a Solar Energy System shall be accessory to the principal permitted use of a site.
3. Permitting And Installation:
a. A City building permit is required prior to the installation of any Solar Energy System. Before a building permit is issued, the following shall be submitted to the City for review:
(1) A site plan showing:
(A) Name, address and phone number of the property owner;
(B) Property lines;
(C) All structures;
(D) Setback lines;
(E) Location of all solar panels and associated equipment; and
(F) Location of the electrical disconnect for the Solar Energy System.
(2) Evidence that the local electric utility has been informed of the property owner's intent to install a customer-owned Solar Energy System.
(3) Evidence that the site plan has been submitted to the local fire protection district.
(4) Evidence that proper warning signage has been located to inform utilities that a Solar Energy System is present on site.
b. The owner of a Solar Energy System shall ensure that it is installed and maintained in compliance with applicable Building and Safety Codes adopted by the City and any other State or Federal agency having jurisdiction over Solar Energy Systems.
c. All wiring associated with a Solar Energy System shall be underground or contained within a raceway that complements the building materials of the principal structure.
4. Interconnection With Public Utilities - Electric:
a. Energy produced by a Solar Energy System shall be utilized on site, except for net metering as authorized by applicable regulatory agencies.
b. The interconnection of any Solar Energy System to the electric distribution grid shall be in accordance with applicable regulatory agencies required by law.
5. Illumination: Illumination of a Solar Energy System is prohibited.
6. Signage: No signage or attention-getting device is permitted on any Solar Energy System.
7. Screening On Roofs: Physical screening for Solar Energy Systems installed on roofs is not required.
8. Screening On Grades: Screening is required for Solar Energy Systems installed on grade. Screening shall comply with chapter 5 of this title.
B. Solar Energy Systems:
1. Authorization Of Use:
a. Building-Integrated, Building-Mounted and Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems are permitted in all zoning districts in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
2. Height:
a. Building-Mounted Solar Energy System: A Building-Mounted Solar Energy System may not extend above the peak roof height of the building to which the Solar Energy System is affixed.
b. Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System: The maximum height of a Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System shall be six feet (6') as measured from the average grade at the base of the pole to the highest edge of the system.
3. Location:
a. Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems shall not be located within the required front yard or corner side yard of any lot of record or in any utility, water, sewer, or other type of public easement.
b. All parts of any Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System shall be set back at least ten feet (10') from the interior side and rear property lines.
c. Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the required rear or backyard.
C. Maintenance And Removal Of Solar Energy Systems:
1. Solar Energy Systems must be maintained in good repair and operable condition at all times, including compliance with all applicable Building and Technical Codes to ensure structural and technical integrity of such facilities. If a system becomes inoperable or damaged, operations must cease and be promptly repaired.
2. If the City determines that a Solar Energy System fails to comply with the applicable provisions of this Code, the City shall provide written notification to the property owner. The property owner shall have a period of thirty (30) days from the date of notification to either restore the Solar Energy System to operation or remove the system.
3. In the event such Solar Energy System is not brought into compliance with this Code within the specified time period, the City may cause the removal of Solar Energy System at the property owner's expense. (Ord. O-07-2019, 4-15-2019)