(a) Solar equipment shall only be an accessory use in residential and non-residential zoning districts. Solar panels are a use permitted by right on the roof of any residential building when the panel or panels, at any point, are not less than three (3) feet from the roof line and the total area of the panels does not comprise more than seventy-five (75%) percent of a single roof surface. For the purposes of this section the single roof surface shall include the area of appurtenant structures or other elements, such as dormers. In residential districts, only solar panels shall be permitted on roofs and other solar equipment associated with rooftop solar panels shall not be located in required setbacks or in the front yard.
(1) For all non-residential buildings for both roof and free-standing ground solar structures and panels;
(2) For residential buildings when the size of the panel or panels, are greater than the requisite roof percentage; the panel is installed so it extends closer to the roof line than the permitted standard in sub-section (a) above; or a freestanding structure is proposed. In reviewing such proposed Conditional Use, the Planning Commission shall consider:
(i) Whether or not there are alternative locations in compliance with sub-section (a) and that all these alternatives have been adequately evaluated.
(ii) Whether the proposed panel(s) and their location(s) are designed to minimize any adverse impacts to the neighborhood; and
(iii) Whether the mass of any freestanding structure is the minimum necessary to serve the property.
(c) The provisions of the Ohio Board of Building Standards shall be applied for solar panel regulation when consistent herewith.
(Ord. 90-17. Passed 9-24-18.)