§ 162.115 SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS.
   (A)   The intent of this section is to allow for the installation of a solar photovoltaic power system that will generate enough electricity to power any structure(s) on the lot on which the system is installed.
   (B)   A solar photovoltaic power system(s) installed in the RE1, R1A, R1B, R1C, R2, R3, NR1, and NR2 zoning districts:
      (1)   Shall not occupy more than 15% percent of a rear yard area;
      (2)   Shall not exceed more than 1,000 square feet; and
      (3)   Shall require the submission of site design including, but not limited to, electrical schematics and location of the solar photovoltaic power system.
   (C)   A solar photovoltaic power system installed in an RU1 zoning district:
      (1)   Shall not occupy more than 30% percent of a rear yard area;
      (2)   Shall not exceed more than 2,000 square feet; and
      (3)   Shall require the submission of site design including, but not limited to, electrical schematics and location of the solar photovoltaic power system.
   (D)   A solar photovoltaic power system installed in a commercial zoning district:
      (1)   Shall maintain general yard requirements when adjacent to a residential district as described in § 162.062(E); and
      (2)   Shall require the submission of site design including, but not limited to, electrical schematics and location of the solar photovoltaic power system.
   (E)   A solar photovoltaic power system installed in a downtown zoning district:
      (1)   Shall maintain general yard requirements when adjacent to a residential district as described in § 162.026(A)(6); and
      (2)   Shall require the submission of site design including, but not limited to, electrical schematics and location of the solar photovoltaic power system.
   (F)   A solar photovoltaic power system installed in a industrial zoning district;
      (1)   Shall maintain general yard requirements when adjacent to a residential district as described in § 162.062(F); and
      (2)   Shall require the submission of site design including, but not limited to, electrical schematics and location of the solar photovoltaic power system.
   (G)   A solar photovoltaic power system shall not be located in a front yard.
   (H)   A solar photovoltaic power system shall be located out of plain sight from a public right-of-way, if possible.
   (I)   Any solar photovoltaic power system installed closer than ten feet to a main building shall be considered as part of the main building and shall be provided with the side and rear yards required for the main building.
   (J)   If a solar photovoltaic power system is installed more than ten feet from the main building on a lot, the solar photovoltaic power system may be built in a rear yard, provided it shall not be located nearer than two feet to any side or rear lot or nearer than five feet to any alley or similar right-of-way easement abutting the rear or side of the lot. This shall not be construed as requiring a side yard greater than would otherwise be required. A solar photovoltaic power system located under this provision must be at least 60 feet from the actual front street curb line or, if no curb, where the same would be located as determined by the Director of Utilities and Engineering.
   (K)   No solar photovoltaic power system shall be constructed upon a lot until the construction of the main building has been actually commenced.
   (L)   On corner lots in residentially-zoned districts with widths of 60 feet or less, solar photovoltaic power systems may be built no closer than ten feet to the side street right-of-way.
   (M)   If a solar photovoltaic power system is installed on the roof of a dwelling or accessory building, the installation must adhere to the most recent International Fire Code as adopted by the City of Quincy.
   (N)   The installation of a solar photovoltaic power system shall be completed by the homeowner or by a registered electrical contractor.
   (O)   The installation of a solar photovoltaic power system on a roof shall require the submission of a letter from a structural engineer that states the location of the solar photovoltaic power system can handle the weight of the system and associated weather risks including, but not limited to wind and rain.
   (P)   A certificate of appropriateness (as defined in § 162.182) shall be required prior to the installation of a solar photovoltaic power system on a landmark (as defined in § 162.182) lot or within a local Historic District (as defined in § 162.182). The requirements for the issuance of a certificate of appropriateness are included in § 162.190.
(Ord. 9423, passed 8-16-2021)