A. Standards: All small solar energy collection systems shall comply with the following requirements except as provided in subsection B of this section relating to small solar energy collection systems in the historic preservation overlay districts. Per section 21A.34.020 of this title the historic landmark commission or staff have authority to modify the setbacks, location and height to ensure compliance with the overlay district regulations. Excluding subsection B of this section, if there is any conflict between the provisions of this subsection and any other requirements of the zoning, site development, and subdivision ordinances, the zoning administrator shall determine which requirements apply to the project in order to achieve the highest level of neighborhood compatibility.
1. Setbacks, Location, And Height:
a. A freestanding small solar energy collection system shall be located a minimum of six feet (6') from all property lines and other structures, except the structure on which it is mounted.
b. A small solar energy collection system may be located on a principal or accessory structure, including legal principal or accessory structures located less than the required minimum yard setback for the zoning districts.
c. A small solar energy collection system shall not exceed by more than three feet (3') the maximum building height (based on the type of building - principal or accessory - the system is located on) permitted in the zoning district in which it is located or shall not extend more than twelve feet (12') above the roofline of the structure upon which it is mounted, whichever is less.
d. A development proposed to have a small solar energy collection system located on the roof or attached to a structure, or an application to establish a system on an existing structure, shall provide a structural certification as part of the building permit application.
2. Coverage: A small solar energy collection system mounted to the roof of a building shall not exceed ninety percent (90%) of the total roof area of the building upon which it is installed. A system constructed as a separate accessory structure on the ground shall count toward the total building and yard coverage limits for the lot on which it is located.
3. Code Compliance: Small solar energy collection systems shall comply with all applicable building and electrical codes contained in the international building code adopted by Salt Lake City.
4. Solar Easements: A property owner who has installed or intends to install a small solar energy collection system shall be responsible for negotiating with other property owners in the vicinity for any desired solar easement to protect solar access for the system and shall record the easement with the Salt Lake County recorder.
5. Off Street Parking And Loading Requirements: Small solar energy collection systems shall not remove or encroach upon required parking or loading areas for other uses on the site or access to such parking or loading areas.
B. Small Solar Energy Collection Systems and Historic Preservation Overlay Districts:
1. General: In addition to meeting the standards set forth in this section, all applications to install a small solar energy collection system within the Historic Preservation Overlay District shall obtain a certificate of appropriateness in accordance with Section 21A.34.020 prior to installation. Small solar energy collection systems shall be allowed in accordance with the location priorities detailed in Subsection B.3 of this section. If there is any conflict between the provisions of this Subsection B, and any other requirements of this section, the provisions of this Subsection B shall take precedence.
2. Installation Standards: The small solar energy collection system shall be installed in a location and manner on the building or lot that is least visible and obtrusive and in such a way that causes the least impact to the historic integrity and character of the historic building, structure, site or district while maintaining efficient operation of the solar device. The system must be installed in such a manner that it can be removed and not damage the historic building, structure, or site it is associated with.
3. Small Solar Energy Collection System Location Priorities: In approving appropriate locations and manner of installation, consideration shall include the following locations in the priority order they are set forth below. The method of installation shall be the least visible from a public right-of-way, not including alleys, and most compatible with the character defining features of the historic building, structure, or site.
a. Rear yard in a location not readily visible from a public right-of-way.
b. On accessory buildings or structures in a location not readily visible from a public right-of-way.
c. In a side yard in a location not readily visible from a public right-of-way.
d. On the principal building in a location not readily visible from a public right-of-way.
e. On the principal building in a location that may be visible from a public right-of-way, but not on the structure's front facade.
f. On the front facade of the principal building in a location most compatible with the character defining features of the structure. (Ord. 10-24, 2024: Ord. 67-23, 2023: Ord. 60-15, 2015)