(a) Solar Energy Generation Systems, Accessory. Solar energy generation systems shall be allowed in all zoning districts as an accessory use subject to the following regulations:
(1) Solar collector systems and solar equipment shall be located in a manner to minimize view blockage of surrounding properties and shading.
(2) Attached to building. Solar collectors may be attached to the roof or the building wall.
A. Solar collectors on a building roof or wall shall be flush mounted or integrated and fully screened around the entire base perimeter in such a manner preventing animal access but to provide for airflow.
(3) Roof mounted system.
A. Roof mounted solar collectors may project eighteen inches above the maximum building height from the roof to the highest edge or surface of the system.
B. Roof mounted solar collectors installed on a building or structure with a sloped roof surface shall not project vertically above the peak of the roof to which it is attached.
C. Solar collectors mounted on a flat roof shall be placed no higher than six feet above the roof at its highest point.
(4) Building integrated system. Solar collector systems integrated as the surface layer of a roof structure shall be permitted subject to requirements of the Ohio Building Code and other applicable state and local legislation.
(5) Freestanding system. Solar collectors that are not attached to a building shall be permitted as an accessory structure subject to the following regulations:
A. Freestanding solar collectors shall be permitted in the rear yard only.
B. Freestanding solar collectors shall be setback according to the setback requirements of the zoning district.
C. Freestanding solar collectors in residential zoning districts shall not exceed six feet at their highest point.
D. Freestanding solar collectors in all other districts shall not exceed ten feet at their highest point in all other zoning districts.
E. The surface area covered by a freestanding system shall not exceed 2% of the lot and shall be calculated as part of the maximum lot coverage for the zoning district.
F. Freestanding solar collectors shall be screened by landscaping or fencing where necessary in a height not to exceed the maximum six foot required per N.C.O. Section 1250.06, Fences.
(b) Utility Scale Solar Energy Generation Systems shall be permitted as a conditional use in the (A-1) Agricultural and (P) Publicly Owned zoning district in accordance with the following:
(1) Utility scale solar energy generation systems shall meet minimum requirements of the zoning district in which it is located including setbacks maximum lot coverage and other requirements of the Northwood Code of Ordinances.
A. Deviations from minimum requirements related to security, utility scale equipment requirements, building codes or similar justification may be approved by the Planning Commission as part of a conditional use application.
(2) Height. Utility scale solar collectors shall be a minimum of three feet from the ground surface and shall not exceed fifteen feet at its highest point.
(3) Fence. Physical access shall be restricted by fencing or walls pursuant to Section 1250.06, Fences.
A. Where a solar farm is located a substantial distance from any right-of-way or property line, the Planning Commission, at its discretion, may authorize a fence height of up to eight feet.
(4) All solar collectors and energy generation equipment shall be located a minimum of fifty feet from any lot line under separate ownership.
(5) All utility scale solar generation systems must comply with Section 1250.10, Buffering and Landscaping.
(c) Performance Standards.
(1) All power transmission lines shall be underground.
(2) Glare. Solar panels shall be placed and arranged such that reflected solar radiation or glare shall not be directed onto adjacent buildings, properties, or roadways.
(3) Building Permit. Solar energy systems shall conform to applicable industry standards. A building permit shall be obtained for a solar energy system in accordance with the Building and Electrical Codes.
(4) Landscape material such as grass or similar ground coverings shall be required and maintained according to the Northwood Code of Ordinances.
(Ord. 2022-45. Passed 2-23-23.)