Roof-mounted and accessory ground solar energy systems are permitted in all zoning districts. The following regulations shall apply:
(A) Roof-mounted solar energy systems. Roof-mounted solar panels may be installed on the roof deck of the primary or accessory building or structure, or both. Solar panels mounted to the roof deck of a primary structure shall be subject to height, setbacks, and other applicable regulations contained in § 153.440 Schedule and Footnotes to Regulations, § 153.055 Permitted Height; Exceptions and § 153.058 Projections, Yard Encroachments.
(1) Roof-mounted solar panels shall include solar panels integrated as the surface layer of the roof structure with no additional apparent change in relief or projection, or separate flush-mounted solar panels attached to the roof deck surface.
(2) Solar panels integrated as the surface layer of the roof structure (solar panel shingles) may be located on any part of the roof. Roof-mounted solar panels which utilize a surface mounting system must comply with § 153.055 Permitted Height; Exceptions and §153.058 Projections, Yard Encroachments. See also § 153.627(C) Approval of solar systems located in regulated historic districts.
(3) Nonconformities. A roof-mounted ses or building-integrated SES installed on a nonconforming building, structure, or use shall not be considered an expansion of the nonconformity.
(4) Application. Electrical and building permits are required for all installations or repowering of a roof-mounted SES. Applications must include horizontal and vertical elevation drawings that show the location and height of the SES on the building and dimensions of the SES. Applications for Roof-Mounted solar panels shall also be accompanied by a site plan, full electrical specifications, a structural roof evaluation and fastening schedule signed and stamped by a professional engineer currently licensed in the State of Michigan and/or in accordance with the manufacture's installation specifications.
(B) Accessory ground-mounted SES.
(1) Height. Ground solar energy collectors shall not exceed the maximum allowable height of accessory structures or buildings as measured from ground level to the top of the solar collectors when oriented at maximum tilt.
(2) Setbacks. A ground-mounted SES must be a minimum of two feet from the property line or the required setback that would apply to accessory structures in the side or rear yard in the respective zoning district, whichever is greater. Setback distance is measured from the property line to the closest point of the SES at minimum tilt.
(3) Lot coverage. The area of the solar array shall not exceed 50% of the square footage of the primary building of the property unless it is sited over required parking (i.e. solar carport), in which case there is no maximum lot coverage for the ground-mounted SES. A ground-mounted SES shall not count towards the maximum number or square footage of accessory structures allowed on site or maximum impervious surface area limits if the ground under the array is pervious.
(4) Visibility (residential). A ground-mounted SES in residential districts (R-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) shall be located in the side or rear yard to minimize visual impacts from the public right(s)-of-way. (See also § 153.627(C)(2) for properties located within Local Historic Districts).
(5) Exemptions. Low voltage SES used to power a single device or specific piece of equipment such as a lawn ornament, lights, weather station, thermometer, clock, well pump or other similar singular device is exempt from these requirements.
(6) Nonconformities. A ground-mounted SES installed on a nonconforming lot or use shall not be considered an expansion of the nonconformity.
(7) Guy wires. Poles requiring guy wires are not permitted in R-1, single-family residential and R-2 single and two-family residential districts.
(8) Application. An electrical permit and building permit application is required for all ground-mounted SES installations. The application must also include a site plan that shows the location of the system on the property, height, tilt features (if applicable), the primary structure, accessory structures, and setbacks to property lines. Accessory use applications that meet the ordinance requirements shall be granted administrative approval.
(C) Approval of solar systems located in regulated historic districts.
(1) Design review required. Solar systems located in regulated historic districts shall obtain approval from the City of Saginaw Historic District Commission, where applicable, before seeking any other required approvals. Procedures for design review shall be in accordance with §§ 153.537, 153.539, and 153.540. In addition to the applicable standards and regulations found therein.
(2) The following additional design standards apply:
(a) Solar systems shall be installed in a manner which does not damage or obscure character-defining features of an historic resource. Solar panels should be located so as not to change an historic roofline or obscure the relationship of an historic roof to character-defining features such as dormers and chimneys.
(b) Pole-mounted solar systems shall be installed in locations that are not clearly visible from public streets.
(c) Roof-mounted solar systems that are not building integrated systems must comply with following:
1. Solar systems on pitched roofs:
a. Systems may only be attached to the side or peak of a roof that is clearly visible from public streets when such systems could not otherwise be located on sides and peaks of the roof that are not clearly visible from public streets.
b. Systems shall be installed below the ridgeline of a pitched roof.
c. Systems shall be mounted parallel to the plane of a pitched roof and have a low profile.
2. Solar systems on flat roofs:
a. Systems shall not be attached to parapet walls that are clearly visible from public streets or any extension of a front wall of a building that is clearly visible from public streets.
b. Systems shall be set back from the edge of a flat roof, so as not to be visible from a public street.
(d) Building integrated solar systems. The Historic District Commission, where applicable, shall review and approve the use of building integrated solar systems.
(e) The Historic District Commission, where applicable, may require that solar systems, excluding solar collector surfaces, be painted so as to be architecturally compatible with the building on which it is located or to blend in with the surrounding area.
(Ord. O-253, passed 5-8-2023, effective 5-18-2023)