Requirements for Solar Energy Systems: The parcel or lot must be located within a zoning district that lists this system as an allowed, conditional, or low impact use. Solar Energy Systems shall comply with the following:
A. Building Integrated Solar Energy System:
1. The solar panels and equipment shall be integrated into the building (walls, windows, photovoltaic louvres, roof tiles, etc.).
2. All mechanical equipment such as wires and batteries, etc. shall be screened from view.
B. Roof Mounted Solar Energy System:
1. Roof Mounted Solar Energy Systems on pitched roofs shall not extend higher than the highest point of the roof surface on which they are mounted or attached.
2. All Roof Mounted Solar Energy Systems shall comply with the height limitations in the zoning district in which they are located.
3. Exception: On a flat-roofed structure, solar panels may extend up to five (5) feet above the zone height, but no more than ten feet (10') above the roof surface.
C. Ground Mounted Solar Energy System:
1. All Ground Mounted Solar Energy Systems shall be designed and located to ensure solar access without reliance on adjacent properties.
2. All Solar Area utility lines shall be placed underground to the extent feasible.
D. Large Scale Ground Mounted Solar Energy System:
1. All Large Scale Ground Mounted Solar Energy Systems shall be designed and located to ensure solar access without reliance on adjacent properties.
2. All Solar Area utility lines shall be placed underground to the extent feasible.
3. Vehicular circulation shall be designed to meet minimum Engineering standards for impervious materials and soil compaction.
4. Systems should be designed, oriented, and constructed to minimize impacts on adjacent properties and the environment. When reviewing an application, the land use authority shall consider the following in addition to § 11-4-7:
a. Visual impacts, including the impacts of glare from the proposed system;
b. Compliance with § 11-2 Development Evaluation Standards and § 11-6 General Regulations including Infrastructure Standards;
c. Wildlife Corridors/habitat preservation; and
d. Wildfire risk.
5. The applicant shall submit a decommissioning plan for review by the Land Use Authority. The plan shall include the following:
a. The manner in which the equipment will be removed;
b. The manner in which the site will be restored; and
c. How long the decommission process will take.
6. Upon cessation of electricity generation on a continuous basis for twelve (12) months, the Community Development Director or designee may notify and instruct the owner and/or operator to remove the abandoned solar energy system. The notice shall provide a reasonable timeline for removal of the structure.
a. The owner and/or operator must provide notice to the Summit County Community Development Director if there is cessation of electrical production for twelve (12) months or more.
b. The owner and/or operator must respond to a request for reporting by providing reasonable proof that electricity is being generated by the Solar Energy System in question.
(Ord. 924, 1-19-2022)