(A) Roof-mounted AUSESs.
(1) A roof-mounted AUSES is considered an incidental accessory use to the principal use and allowed without an improvement location permit in all zoning districts.
(2) Roof-mounted AUSESs shall adhere to the development standards of the underlying zoning district, including minimum setbacks, maximum height, and maximum lot coverage. Where feasible, panels on residential structures facing the front yard shall be mounted at the same angle as the roof surface with a maximum distance of 18 inches between the roof and the highest edge of the system. Roof-mounted AUSESs are subject to the rules of historic preservation districts and restrictive covenants.
(B) Ground-mounted AUSESs.
(1) A ground-mounted AUSES is considered an accessory structure to the principal use, and will require improvement-location permits.
(2) Ground-mounted AUSESs shall adhere to the development standards of the underlying zoning district, including minimum setbacks, maximum height, and maximum lot coverage. Ground-mounted AUSESs shall be located at least 100 feet from the foundation of any neighboring residence, and ten feet off all property lines. A ground-mounted AUSES is considered a permitted use in zoning districts designated A, R-1, and R-2, and is considered a conditional use in said zoning districts. Conditional uses require approval from the appropriate Board of Zoning Appeals.
(3) Ground-mounted AUSESs shall not be placed within any legal easement or right-of-way, or be placed within any stormwater conveyance system, or in any other manner that would alter or impede stormwater runoff from collecting in a constructed stormwater conveyance system.
(C) Application.
(1) Prior to the construction of a ground-mounted AUSES, the landowner is required to obtain an improvement location permit by filing an application with the Zoning Administrator. An application for an improvement location permit shall be accompanied by a site plan in accordance with the County Zoning Ordinance, and additionally showing the location of all solar panels and equipment, and the location of the emergency disconnect for the equipment.
(2) The application shall include information regarding the type of solar technology proposed, mounting methods, dimensions, generating capacity, means of interconnecting, and manufacturer’s data.
(3) Evidence that the local electrical utility has been informed of the customer’s intent to install a customer owned SES must also be submitted with the application unless no interconnection is proposed.
(D) Glare. The AUSES shall be designed and located in order to prevent glare toward any inhabited buildings and adjacent highways or rights-of-way.
(E) Approved components. Electric SES components shall have an underwriter’s laboratory (UL) listing, or approved equivalent.
(F) Revocation. An improvement location permit may be revoked if the AUSES is moved or otherwise altered in a manner which causes the AUSES not to be in conformity with this chapter. The AUSES must be properly maintained and be kept free from all hazards, including, but not limited to, faulty wiring, loose fastenings, being in an unsafe condition or detrimental to public health, safety, or general welfare. In the event of a violation of any of the foregoing provisions, the Zoning Administrator shall give written notice specifying the violation to the owner of the AUSES to conform or to remove the AUSES.
(Ord. 2021-11, passed 8-17-2021)