A Level 1 Onsite Ground Mounted Solar Energy System is allowed in all zoning districts as a permitted accessory use subject to review and approval by the Zoning Administrator according to the following requirements.
(A) Occupancy. A Level 1 Onsite Ground Mounted Solar Energy System shall not occupy an area greater than 5,000 square feet in size.
(B) Sketch plan.
(1) Applicants shall submit an accurate sketch plan to the Zoning Administrator illustrating property lines of the parcel, buildings on the parcel, the proposed setbacks and height of the SES including a data sheet from the equipment manufacturer and other information as requested by the Zoning Administrator. Information on the visual impact of the proposed solar farm using photos or computer-generated images of the project on the site to demonstrate the appearance of the project from off site.
(2) The applicant shall also provide information on the type of solar panel to be used and any hazardous chemicals contained in the solar panels and measures to prevent leakage.
(C) A ground mounted SES is an accessory structure. A ground mounted SES is permitted on the same lot as an accessory building but shall not count as one of the permitted accessory buildings allowed by § 154.252(E) of this chapter. The combined area of an accessory building and SES shall not exceed the total square footage allowed by 154.252(E) of this chapter. For example, for a lot of one acre or less, the total area occupied by the permitted accessory building and a ground mounted SES shall not exceed 1,200 square feet. The area occupied by the SES shall be measured around the outside boundaries of the solar panels not the solar panel supports.
(D) Setbacks. A ground mounted solar energy system shall only be located in the side and rear yards and shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from all lot lines and five feet from any structure.
(E) Height. The height of a SES shall not exceed ten feet above natural grade at the time of project approval, as depicted on the sketch plan. The height shall be measured from the highest point of the panel when oriented at its maximum tilt to the ground immediately below the panel.
(Ord. 2020-01 passed - -2020)