A SOLAR COLLECTION SYSTEM is any device that absorbs and accumulates solar radiation for use as a source of energy. Regulations for districts are as follows.
(A) Residential districts.
(1) Ground mounted and freestanding solar collection systems are permitted as accessory uses in all residential zoning districts subject to the following requirements:
(a) Must be located in rear yard only;
(b) A setback of at least three feet from the side and rear property line must be maintained but in no case shall system be located within an easement;
(c) Must be located at least three feet from any other principal or accessory structure;
(d) Shall not exceed 15 feet in height when oriented at maximum tilt;
(e) Must be located as to minimize glare directed toward an adjoining property or street;
(f) Total surface area of all ground-mounted and free-standing solar collectors on the lot shall not exceed 250 square feet;
(g) All exterior electrical or other service lines must be buried below the surface of the ground;
(h) Square footage of the solar collection system shall be considered in determining the maximum amount of accessory buildings and structures permitted on a lot;
(i) Shall comply with All City and State Building and Electrical Codes;
(j) The property owner shall notify the electrical utility where the solar collector system is connected to the electrical utility system;
(k) If the solar collection system ceases to perform its originally intended function for more than 12 consecutive months, the property owner shall remove the collector, mount and associated equipment no later than 90 days after the 12-month period; and
(l) It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to secure any desired solar easement to protect solar access for the system (as per Minn. Stat. § 500.30, as it may be amended from time to time).
(2) Rooftop and wall mounted solar collection systems are permitted on principal and accessory buildings in all residential zoning districts subject to the following requirements:
(a) Shall not project beyond the peak of the roof;
(b) Shall not be more than five feet above the roof to which it is attached;
(c) Shall comply with all City and State Building and Electrical Codes;
(d) The property owner shall notify the electrical utility where the solar collector system is connected to the electrical utility system;
(e) If the solar collection system ceases to perform its originally intended function for more than 12 consecutive months, the property owner shall remove the collector, mount and associated equipment no later than 90 days after the 12-month period;
(f) It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to secure any desired solar easement to protect solar access for the system (as per Minn. Stat. § 500.30, as it may be amended from time to time); and
(g) Must be located as to minimize glare directed toward an adjoining property or street.
(B) Business, industrial and agricultural districts.
(1) Ground mounted and freestanding solar collection systems are permitted as accessory uses in all business, industrial and agricultural zoning districts subject to the following requirements:
(a) Must be located in rear yard only;
(b) A setback of at least three feet from the side and rear property line must be maintained but in no case shall it be located within an easement;
(c) Must be located at least three feet from any other principal or accessory structure;
(d) Not to exceed 25 feet in height when oriented as maximum tilt;
(e) Must be located as to minimize glare directed toward an adjoining property or street;
(f) Total surface area of all ground-mounted and freestanding solar collectors on the lot shall not exceed 1,000 square feet;
(g) Square footage shall be considered in determining the maximum amount of accessory buildings and structures permitted on a lot;
(h) Shall comply with all City and State Building and Electrical Codes;
(i) The property owner shall notify the electrical utility where the solar collector system is connected to the electrical utility system;
(j) If the solar collection system ceases to perform its originally intended function for more than 12 consecutive months, the property owner shall remove the collector, mount and associated equipment no later than 90 days after the 12-month period; and
(k) It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to secure any desired solar easement to protect solar access for the system (as per Minn. Stat. § 500.30, as it may be amended from time to time).
(2) Rooftop and wall mounted solar collection systems are permitted on principal and accessory buildings in all business, industrial and agricultural zoning districts subject to the following requirements:
(a) Shall comply with all Building Code requirements;
(b) Shall not exceed the maximum height permitted in the zoning district in which it is located;
(c) Must be located as to minimize glare directed toward an adjoining property or street;
(d) The property owner shall notify the electrical utility where the solar collection system is connected to the electrical utility system;
(e) If the solar collection system ceases to perform its originally intended function for more than 12 consecutive months, the property owner shall remove the collector, mount and associated equipment no later than 90 days after the 12-month period; and
(f) It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to secure any desired solar easement to protect solar access for the system (as per Minn. Stat. § 500.30, as it may be amended from time to time).
(Ord. 1480, passed 2-6-2012) Penalty, see § 157.999