(A) Zoning districts. Solar energy systems, in accordance with the standards in this section, are allowed as a conditional use in all zoning districts, except that in residential and commercial districts when the structure is roof mounted, it is a permitted accessory use.
(B) Standards.
(1) Exemption. Passive or building-integrated solar energy systems are exempt from the requirements of this section and shall be regulated as any other building element.
(2) Height. Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall comply with the maximum height requirements in the applicable zoning district. Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed 15 feet in height.
(3) Location. In residential zoning districts (R-1, R-1M, R-2, R-3, PUD) as well as C-1 and C-2 Districts, ground-mounted solar energy systems are permitted, but may only be located in the back yard. In the A-1, I-1, and I-2 zoning districts, ground-mounted solar energy systems may be permitted in the front yard of any lot or the side yards on corner lots, but shall not encroach in the minimum 20-foot landscaped area adjacent to public rights-of-way.
(4) Setbacks. Ground-mounted solar energy systems including any appurtenant equipment shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from all property lines and a minimum of 30 feet from all dwellings located on adjacent lots. Roof-mounted systems shall comply with all building setbacks in the applicable zoning district and shall not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building on which the system is mounted.
(5) Roof mounting. Roof-mounted solar collectors shall be flush mounted on pitched roofs and shall not exceed 10 feet above the highest portion of the building. Solar collectors may be bracket mounted on flat roofs at no more than 3 feet above the surface of the roof. The collector surface and mounting devices for roof-mounted solar energy systems that are parallel to the roof surface shall not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building on which the system is mounted or built.
(6) Easements. Solar energy systems shall not encroach on public drainage, utility roadway or trail easements, or any other public easements.
(7) Screening. Solar energy systems shall be screened from view to the extent possible without reducing their efficiency. Screening may include walls, fences or landscaping.
(8) Maximum area. In the I-1, I-2, and A-1 Districts, ground-mounted solar energy systems shall be limited to a maximum area consistent with the accessory structure limitations or no more than 25% of the rear yard, whichever is less.
(9) Aesthetics. All solar energy systems shall use colors that blend with the color of the roof or other structure. Reflection angles from collector surfaces shall be oriented away from neighboring windows. Where necessary, screening may be required to address glare. All solar energy systems shall minimize glare towards vehicular traffic and adjacent properties.
(10) Feeder lines. The electrical collection system shall be placed underground within the interior of each parcel. The collection system may be placed overhead near substations or points of interconnection to the electric grid.
(C) Safety.
(1) Standards and certification.
(a) Standards. Solar energy systems shall meet the minimum standards outlined by the International Electroteclinical Commission (IEC), the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), ASTM International, British Standards Institution (BSI), International Electroteclinical Commission (IEC), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL), the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or other standards as determined by the Community Development Director.
(b) Certification. Solar energy systems shall be certified by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation or other body as determined by the Community Development Director for conformance to applicable standards. The city reserves the right to deny a building permit for proposed solar energy systems deemed to have inadequate certification.
(2) Utility connection. All grid-connected systems shall have a completed written agreement with the local utility prior to the issuance of a building permit. A visible external disconnect must be provided if required by the utility.
(D) Abandonment. If the solar energy system remains nonfunctional or inoperative for a continuous period of 1 year, the system shall be deemed to be abandoned and shall constitute a public nuisance. The owner shall remove the abandoned system at their expense after a demolition permit has been obtained. Removal includes the entire structure including transmission equipment.
(E) Permits. Those permits as required, and a conditional use permit if required, shall be obtained for any solar energy system prior to installation.
(Ord. 547, passed 9-27-2011) Penalty, see § 10.99