(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A device or structural design feature, a substantial purpose of which is to provide for the collection, storage and distribution of solar energy for space heating or cooling, electricity generating, or water heating.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, BUILDING INTEGRATED. A solar energy system that is an integral part of a principal or accessory building, rather than a separate mechanical device, replacing or substituting for an architectural or structural component of the building, examples of which are roofing materials, windows, skylights, and awnings.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, GROUND-MOUNTED. A freestanding solar system mounted directly to the ground using a rack or pole rather than being mounted on a building.
(B) Permitted accessory use. A solar energy system shall be allowed as an accessory use in all zoning classifications where structures of any sort are allowed, subject to the requirements set forth below.
(1) Height. A solar energy system must comply with the following height requirements:
(a) A building- or roof-mounted solar energy system shall not exceed the maximum allowed height for the zoning district in which the system is located.
(b) A ground- or pole-mounted solar energy system shall not exceed ten feet in height when oriented at maximum tilt.
(2) Setbacks and yard requirements.
(a) Roof-mounted solar energy systems.
1. Shall comply with all building setback requirements in the applicable zoning district.
2. The collector surface and mounting devices for each roof-mounted solar energy system shall be set back from the edge of the roof of the structure upon which the system is located a minimum distance as required by the Building Official.
3. Exterior piping for a solar hot water system may extend beyond the perimeter of the building on a side or rear yard exposure.
(b) Ground- or pole-mounted solar energy systems.
1. Shall comply with all accessory structure setbacks in the applicable zoning district.
2. Shall not extend into the setbacks when oriented at minimum design tilt.
3. In addition to the accessory structure setbacks, residential systems located within the residential zoning districts (R-1, R-1a, R-2, R-3, R-4 and PUD Residential) systems shall be located in the rear yard.
4. Residential systems located within the agricultural zoning districts (A-1, AP) shall be setback not less than 75 feet, or half the distance from the principal structure to a public right-of-way or road easement, whichever is greater, and meet the required side and rear yard setbacks for accessory structures.
5. Shall not be included in the calculation of total square footage of accessory space allowed, as found in § 155.028(B)(1).
(c) Solar energy systems located in the shoreland district shall meet the minimum structure setbacks as required in § 155.409. Solar panels no larger than four square feet on boat lifts shall be permitted.
(3) Aesthetics. A roof-mounted solar energy system shall incorporate the following design requirements:
(a) Equipment. Solar energy equipment (i.e. boxes, wiring, and conduit) shall be installed inside walls and attic spaces where feasible to reduce their visual impact. If solar equipment is visible from the public right-of-way, it shall match the color of the materials of the structure to which it is affixed.
(b) Pitched roofs. Panels must be mounted flush with the roof pitch and be no higher than six inches above the roof plane they are attached to.
(c) Flat roofs. Solar panels affixed to a flat roof shall be placed below the line of sight from a public right-of-way.
(4) Coverage. The surface area of a pole or ground mount system shall not exceed the requirements set forth in the following table:
Lot Size (acre) | Maximum Surface Area |
Less than 1 | 400 s.f. |
1.00-1.99 | 600 s.f. |
2.0-2.99 | 800 s.f. |
3.0-3.99 | 1,000 s.f. |
4.0-4.99 | 1,200 s.f. |
5.0 or greater | 1,400 s.f. |
(5) Plan approval required.
(a) No solar energy system may be installed without prior written approval by the Zoning Administrator.
(b) Plan application. A plan application for a solar energy system shall be accompanied by to-scale horizontal and vertical (elevation) drawings. The drawings must show the location of the system on the building for a roof mounted system or the location of the system upon the property for a ground-mount system, including the property lines.
1. Pitched roof-mounted solar energy system. The drawings for a roof-mounted system upon a pitched roof must show the elevation of the highest finished slope of the solar collector and the slope of the finished roof surface on which it is mounted.
2. Flat roof-mounted solar energy system. The drawings for a roof-mounted system upon a flat roof must show the distance to the roof edge and any parapets on the building and shall identify the height of the building on the street frontage side, the shortest distance of the system from the street frontage edge of the building, and the highest finished height of the solar collector above the finished surface of the roof.
(6) Compliance with other codes. All solar energy systems shall comply with requirements imposed by the City Building Official and with requirements set forth in the Minnesota State Electrical Code.
(7) Utility notification. No solar energy system shall be installed until written evidence has been given to the Zoning Administrator establishing that the owner of the property upon which the system is located has notified the utility company of the intent to install an interconnected customer-owned generator. Off-grid systems are exempt from this requirement.
(8) Abandonment. A ground- or pole-mounted solar energy system shall be considered abandoned after one year without energy production. A solar energy system and its related accessory facilities shall be removed within 60 days after written notice by the city that the solar energy system has been deemed abandoned.
(Ord. 1401, passed 1-28-14; Am. Ord. 1507, passed 10-13-15; Am. Ord. 1604, passed 5-10-16; Am. Ord. 1606, passed 10-11-16; Am. Ord. 1803, passed 6-12-18; Am. Ord. 2004, passed 11-10-20)