Solar energy systems shall be evaluated for compliance to the following standards:
(a) Building Code Compliance.
(1) Solar energy systems shall comply with all applicable chapters of the Ohio Building Code.
(2) Solar energy systems shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations.
(b) Compliance with Laws. Solar energy systems shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations.
(c) Visual Impacts. It is inherent that solar energy systems may pose some visual impacts. The purpose of this chapter is to reduce the visual impacts without restricting the owner's access to solar resources.
(1) All solar energy systems shall use a color that blends with the surrounding environment and use materials to minimize glare towards vehicular traffic and adjacent properties.
(2) Ground mounted solar energy systems must be adequately screened from view of residential neighbors to the extent possible without impacting their function through the use of vegetation, mounding, fencing or a combination thereof.
(3) The applicant shall demonstrate through project site planning and proposed mitigation that a solar energy system's visual impacts will be minimized for surrounding neighbors and the community. This may include, but not be limited to, information regarding site selection, solar energy system design or appearance, buffering, and screening of ground mounted electrical and control equipment.
(d) Utility Connection. Solar energy systems proposed to be connected to the power grid through net metering or other means shall comply with any requirements regarding such connection in accordance with Federal, State or local laws, rules and regulations.
(e) Access. Where technologically feasible, all ground mounted electrical and control equipment shall be labeled and secured to prevent unauthorized access.
(f) Wiring and Electrical Apparatuses. All wires and electrical apparatuses associated with the operation of a ground-mounted solar energy system shall be located underground unless otherwise technologically not feasible.
(g) Maintenance.
(1) All solar energy systems shall be maintained in good working order.
(2) Any physical modification to the solar energy system that alters the number, size, location, or major electrical components shall require reapplication for zoning certificate under this chapter. Like kind replacements shall not require reapplication.
(h) Signs. All signs, both temporary and permanent, are prohibited on solar energy systems, except as follows:
(1) Manufacturer's or installer's identification on the solar energy system.
(2) Appropriate warning signs or placards.
(i) Location.
(1) Ground mounted solar energy systems shall adhere to the following requirements:
A. Ground mounted solar energy systems shall be located in the side or rear yard of the property. Locating solar energy systems in the front yard is prohibited.
B. Ground mounted solar energy systems must adhere to all building setback requirements of the zoning district in which they are located.
C. Ground mounted solar energy systems may not be located closer to the street than any street-facing building facade.
(2) Roof mounted solar energy systems shall adhere to the following requirements:
A. Roof mounted solar energy systems located on a flat roof, the horizontal portion of a mansard roof or a roof surrounded by a parapet shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the edge of the roof.
B. Roof mounted solar energy systems located on a pitched roof must be set back a minimum of three feet from the edge of the roof and ridgeline.
C. Roof mounted solar energy systems shall not be located on a front building elevation, or on any elevation facing within ninety degrees of the front building elevation.
(j) Height.
(1) Ground mounted solar energy systems may not exceed fifteen feet in height as measured from the ground to the maximum height of the solar energy system.
(2) Roof mounted solar energy systems located on a flat roof, the horizontal portion of a mansard roof or a roof surrounded by a parapet shall be mounted flush or on racks, with the panel or rack extending no more than five feet above the highest point on the roof excluding chimneys, antennae, parapets, and other similar projections.
(3) Roof mounted solar energy systems located on a pitched roof must be mounted flush with the plane of the panels parallel with the roof surface, with the panel no more than twelve inches from the surface of the roof at any point.
(4) Roof mounted solar energy systems are not included in the height calculations of the zoning district in which they are located
(k) Lot Coverage. Ground mounted solar energy systems shall count towards the lot coverage calculation for the zoning district in which they are located.
(Ord. 2014-27. Passed 8-5-14.)