Applies to both photovoltaic and thermal systems unless otherwise noted.
8.84.1 Appearance/impact.
A. The applicant shall indicate, in writing, that the solar system shall not:
1. Interfere with the permitted uses of adjacent properties; or
2. Interfere with traffic or create a safety hazard.
8.84.2 Design.
A. Applications for pitched roof mounted solar energy systems for new construction shall be accompanied by plan, elevation, section, and site plan to-scale drawings that must show the specific location of the pitched roof mounted system on the building, with dimensions indicated consistent with the specific dimensional requirements of the UDO. The method of fastening the solar energy system to the roof shall be specified with particular attention given to meeting or exceeding the local building code requirements. The roof and solar panel colors shall be specified. Data sheets for all primary and critical components to be installed shall be included.
B. Applications for the addition of pitched roof mounted solar energy systems for existing construction shall be accompanied by drawings or photographs of the existing building with plan, elevation, section, and site plan to-scale drawings of the solar energy system shown on the building with all dimensions indicated on the photographs or drawings consistent with the specific requirements of the UDO. The method of fastening the solar energy system to the roof shall be specified with particular attention given to meeting or exceeding the local building code requirements. The roof and solar panel colors shall be specified. Data sheets for all primary and critical components to be installed shall be included.
C. Applications for a flat roof mounted solar system shall be accompanied by plan, elevation, section, and site plan to-scale drawings that must show distances to the roof edges, the pitch of the solar energy panels, the method of fastening the solar panels to the roof (meets or exceeds the local building load requirements), and any parapets on the building as required by the UDO. Data sheets for all primary and critical components to be installed shall be included.
D. Applications for ground based solar energy systems shall be accompanied by a to scale dimensioned site plan with all existing and proposed buildings, existing and proposed vegetation, and solar energy systems shown. The method of securing the solar energy system to the ground, the materials or vegetation to be used under the solar energy panel installation, and methods to screen visibility of the site shall be identified.
E. All application packages shall include the manufacture’s installation instructions as well as identifying the specific and applicable requirements of the County Building Code.
F. All solar collector systems shall:
1. Conform to the International Building Code with North Carolina eastern side amendments;
2. Have a UL listing;
3. Secure all exterior electrical and/or plumbing lines in a conduit;
4. Have panels coated with anti-reflective coatings;
5. House any ground based supporting equipment within the primary or auxiliary structure or screened it from view; and
6. Be installed by a licensed and certified North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) installer.
8.84.3 Other.
A. Any upgrades, modifications, or changes that materially alter the size or placement of an existing solar energy system shall comply with the provisions of this Article and be submitted and approved by the Planning Board.
B. If the applicant ceases operation of the energy project or begins, but does not complete construction of the project, the applicant shall restore the site to its original state within six months. The lack of use for a six-month period shall be deemed abandonment unless the town is notified and a grace period granted.
C. Easements cannot be purchased and/or acquired from or granted by owners of neighboring properties in order to increase solar access. This applies to buildings, trees, or other structures.
D. Any system to be used by someone other than the property owner shall provide evidence of agreement between both of the parties.
8.84.4 System configurations.
Collector mounted on pitched roof.
A. Height limit set at one and one-half feet below ridgeline. Panels shall not be within one and one-half feet of any eave or valley or edge to allow accessibility and must be set back from any other edge be a minimum of one foot.
B. The top edge of each solar panel will be parallel to the roof’s ridge line within one quarter inch per foot.
C. The solar panels (and any other roof mounted equipment) shall match as close as practical, the color of the roof.
D. The panels shall not have a highest finished pitch that is more than 5% steeper than the roof pitch on which the system is mounted, and shall be no higher than ten inches above the roof surface.
Collector mounted on flat roof.
A. Height limit set at two feet below the district’s height limit. The equipment shall be screened by a permanent wall that exceeds the height of the equipment by one foot.
B. The systems shall not cover more of the flat roof upon which the panels are mounted that is allowed by a structural engineering analysis.
Collector mounted on ground.
A. Year round screening shall be provided for all components of the system that is not housed in the primary or accessory structure.
B. No portion of the solar system shall be located within the front or side yards, or along any street frontage. Corner lots are exempt from the fronting requirement on the secondary road.
C. The maximum equipment height shall not exceed six feet; screening shall be at least seven feet in height.
D. Any structure with solar panels more than six feet but less than ten feet off the ground shall be limited to usage in a Commercial Intensive District.
Solar farm specific.
A. Equipment shall be limited in height to less than ten feet.
B. The applicant shall include a site plan denoting the dimensions of the parcel, proposed solar farm location (arrangement of panels), distance from the proposed area to all property lines, trees to be removed and location of driveway(s), fencing, and screening. No portion of the system area may encroach into the required setbacks and buffer area(s) as required by the zoning district in which it is located. Any proposed structure(s) and parking are also to be indicated.
C. The applicant shall provide a surety bond to the town for the estimated cost for decommissioning and site restoration of the complete system should the project be abandoned. ABANDONMENT is defined as the lack of construction or the generation of electricity for a period of six months.
Collector mounted on poles (specific).
A. Pole mounted systems shall only be approved for use by governmental agencies and utilities after demonstrating that they offer the best approach to achieving the projects objectives. Poles will have the same height limitations as prescribed by the street lighting requirements for that District and should, as best possible, mimic light poles in the area. Poles must be set back from all property lines so that the fall zone from any tower shall not cross adjoining property lines.
Thermal systems specific.
A. All tanks shall be enclosed in the primary or an accessory structure.
(Ord. passed 2-3-2021; Ord. passed 4-6-2022)