In addition to specific requirements elsewhere in this chapter for renewable energy systems, the following general requirements shall govern the use and operation of such systems:
A. Accessory Uses: Renewable energy systems, subject to the provisions of this chapter, are permitted as accessory uses to the principal use of a site in all zoning districts, except that when any special use has been authorized on a property, renewable energy systems shall only be allowed on such property by amendment to the special use permit. In any ordinance amending a special use permit, the village board may modify the maximum height restrictions set forth in this chapter.
B. On Site Consumption: Energy produced through the renewable energy system shall be utilized primarily to reduce on site electrical power consumption, but it is permissible to sell excess energy to the local electric utility through the use of net metering as allowed by law.
C. Utility Provider Notification: No wind energy system or solar energy system shall be installed until written evidence has been provided at the time a building permit is requested that the electric utility company has been notified of the customer's intent to install an interconnected renewable energy system. Off grid systems shall be exempt from this requirement.
D. Building Permits: A building permit is required prior to the installation, relocation or modification of any renewable energy system. A soil analysis is recommended and may be required by the director of community services as a part of a building permit application if appropriate to confirm that the soils meet the minimum bearing capacity assumed by the structural design of any freestanding renewable energy system. Fees for review of the building permit application may include such additional review charges as established by the village to reimburse the village for the fees of consultants engaged by the village.
E. Noninterference With Drainage And Protected Woodlands: The installation of freestanding renewable energy systems shall not be approved unless the proposed installation complies with all other pertinent provisions of the village code, including provisions intended to promote drainage of stormwater and the protection of trees and woodlands. The director of community services may require the owner to submit a scaled site plan, topographical survey, and delineation of wetlands or protected woodlands to determine such compliance.
F. Effect Of Approvals: Any property owner installing a renewable energy system under the provisions of this chapter assumes the risk of future building, landscaping or improvements which may occur on adjacent property. No approval granted by the village shall impose any duty on adjacent owners to refrain from making lawful improvements that may diminish the function of a renewable energy system.
G. Duty To Maintain: The owner of a renewable energy system shall ensure that it is installed and maintained in compliance with applicable building, property management and safety codes in effect in the village to ensure structural and technical integrity of such facilities.
H. Structures; Number Of Accessory Buildings: Aboveground equipment installed for any renewable energy system shall be considered a structure; however, freestanding wind energy systems or solar energy systems shall not count toward the maximum number of detached accessory buildings allowed on a residential lot set forth in subsection 9-2-6-6D of this title.
I. Screening: Mechanical or landscape screening is not required for renewable energy systems.
J. Wiring: All outdoor electrical wiring associated with a solar energy system shall be underground or contained where feasible within a raceway that complements the building materials of the principal structure. All outdoor electrical wiring associated with a wind energy system, other than the wires necessary to connect the wind generator to the tower wiring, the tower wiring to the disconnect junction box, and the grounding wires shall be located underground. Underground wiring shall be routed to minimize damage to tree root systems.
K. Lighting: Renewable energy systems shall not be artificially illuminated.
L. Signs: Only signs used for identification of the manufacturer or installer or to provide warning information shall be attached to any renewable energy system. Such signs shall have a total sign area of not more than twenty four (24) square inches. (Ord. 12-4-5, 4-3-2012)