A solar photovoltaic panel, or solar hot air or water panel collector device, which relies upon solar radiation as an energy source for the generation of electricity or transfer of stored heat, shall comply with the following restrictions:
(A) Location.
(1) Roof and flush-mounted solar panels shall be allowed, subject to architectural review. The Planning Commission will consider the following:
(a) Place solar panels in a location that minimizes the visual impact as seen from the right-of-way and surrounding properties. Generally, panels should be located on roofs in the following manner: the rear 50% of the roof of the main building; the rear inside quadrant of the roof of a main building on a comer lot; or on accessory structures in the rear yard. On sloped roofs, place panels flush along the roof unless visibility is decreased with other placement. With flat roofs, keep panels at least five feet from the edge of the roof, or place at the edge if a building parapet exists that will screen the panels.
(b) Solar panels at another location on a building may be acceptable if their placement does not have an adverse effect on the architecture of the building, or the character of the site. The equipment to support solar panels should be screened from view.
(c) The color of the solar panels shall be complementary to roof color as determined by the Planning Commission.
(d) The configuration and profile of the assembly shall be complementary to the roof line as determined by the Planning Commission. Installations should minimize the number of corners, and should avoid complex and/or non-symmetrical configurations.
(e) Wiring and supporting infrastructure should be designed in such a way as to minimize visibility from the right-of-way.
(f) Installations should be sensitive to the property, surrounding properties, and neighborhood context.
(B) Height. Roof and flush-mounted solar panels shall not project vertically above the peak of the roof to which it is attached, or project vertically more than four feet above a flat room installation.
(C) Aesthetic consideration. Flat roof solar installations shall be appropriately screened, as determined by the Planning Commission.
(D) Glare. No glare, lights or reflections shall be permitted which are a nuisance to other property owners or tenants, or which could impair the vision of a driver or any other motor vehicle, or which are detrimental to public health, safety, and welfare.
(E) Exemptions. Solar panels less than two square feet in area and those installed within the right-of-way by the city are not subject to the regulations set forth above.
(F) Planning Commission. Residents wishing to install solar panels will apply to the Planning Commission for a certificate of appropriateness.
(Ord. 01-2020, passed 4-20-2020)