Solar energy systems are allowable as an accessory use in all zoning districts, subject to the following requirements:
(A) Standards.
(1) Height. Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall not project beyond the peak of the roof and shall not be more than two feet above the roof surface to which they are attached. Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed 15 feet in height.
(2) Location. Ground-mounted solar energy systems must be located in the rear yard only in residential areas.
(3) Setbacks. Ground mounted solar systems shall follow all current setback requirements and coverage area restrictions applicable for a detached structure as set forth by zoning ordinance, and shall be located a minimum of five feet from all utility easements. Roof-mounted solar energy 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.
(4) Coverage. Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall be flush mounted on pitched roofs. Solar energy systems must have three feet of clearance around all edges to facilitate emergency responder access.
(5) Feeder lines. All power exterior electrical or other service lines must be buried below the surface of the ground and within the interior of each parcel.
(6) Exemption. Building integrated solar energy systems are exempt from the requirements of this section and shall be regulated as any other building element.
(7) Easements. Solar energy systems shall not encroach on public drainage, utility, roadway or trail easements.
(8) Screening. Solar energy systems shall be screened from view to the extent possible without reducing their efficiency. Screening may include walls, fences or landscaping. Reflection angles from collector surfaces shall be oriented away from neighboring windows. Where necessary, screening may be necessary to address glare.
(B) Safety.
(1) Compliance with building codes. All solar energy systems shall comply with the Minnesota Building Code.
(2) Compliance with electric code. All solar energy systems shall comply with the National Electrical Code.
(3) Compliance with plumbing code. All solar thermal systems shall comply with the Minnesota State Plumbing Code.
(4) Certifications. Solar energy system components shall be certified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) and the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation. The city reserves the right to deny zoning permit for proposed solar energy systems deemed to have inadequate certification.
(C) Approval.
(1) Permits. The erection, alteration, improvement, reconstruction, and movement of a solar energy system with an output capacity in excess of one kW requires a zoning permit from the city.
(2) Utility notification. The owner of a solar energy system that will physically connect to a house or other building's electrical system and/or the electric utility grid must enter into a signed interconnection agreement with the utility prior to the issuance of a zoning permit.
(3) Required approvals and inspections. Applicable state inspection and approvals are required.
(D) Abandonment. If the solar energy system remains nonfunctional or inoperative for more than 12 consecutive months, the system shall constitute a public nuisance. The owner shall obtain a demolition permit and remove the abandoned system at their expense. Removal includes the entire structure, including collector, mount, and transmission equipment.
(E) Easements. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to secure any desired solar easement to protect solar access for the system (per M.S. § 500.30, as it may be amended from time to time).
(F) Installation. Solar energy systems shall be installed only by licensed contractors.
(Ord. 204, 3rd Series, passed 4-19-2016)