A. Authorization Of Use: Solar energy systems shall be permitted in any zoning district as an accessory use subject to the provisions of this section. Solar roof shingles shall be considered a permitted use in all zoning districts and shall not be considered an accessory structure as outlined in this title.
B. Building Permit Requirement: A building permit shall be obtained prior to the construction of any solar energy system. Applications for a permit to construct a solar energy system shall include, in addition to any requirements contained in title 8 of this code, the following documents:
1. A spotted survey of the lot upon which the solar energy system is to be constructed, showing thereon the proposed location of the solar energy system.
2. Plans and specifications for the installation, including elevations, configuration, mount, foundation and any information that may be requested by the building commissioner.
C. Roof Mounted Solar Energy Systems:
1. Location: Roof mounted solar energy systems may be mounted on or attached to any principal or accessory building on a lot.
2. Height: Roof mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed a total height of ten feet (10') as measured from the roof surface where the system is mounted to the highest edge of the system, provided that the system shall not exceed five feet (5') above the roofline or five feet (5') above the maximum permitted height of the district, whichever is less.
D. Ground Mounted Solar Energy Systems:
1. Number Per Lot: Only one ground mounted solar energy system shall be permitted on any lot.
2. Location: Ground mounted solar energy systems shall not be located within the required front, side or exterior side yard of any lot or in any public utility easement, and all parts of a ground mounted solar energy system shall be set back at least five feet (5') from any property line.
3. Height: Ground mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed a total height of six feet (6') as measured from the average grade at the base of the system to the highest edge of the system.
4. Surface Area: Ground mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed a total surface area of one hundred sixty eight (168) square feet.
E. Maintenance And Removal Of Solar Energy Systems:
1. Solar energy systems must be maintained in good repair and operable condition at all times, including compliance with all standards in applicable building and technical codes to ensure structural and technical integrity of such facilities, except for maintenance and repair outages. If a system becomes inoperable or damaged, operations must cease and be promptly remedied.
2. If the village determines that a solar energy system fails to comply with the applicable provisions of this code, the village shall provide written notification to the property owner. The property owner shall have a period of ninety (90) days from the date of notification to either restore the solar energy system to operation or remove the system.
3. After the solar energy system is removed, the property owner shall promptly restore their property to a condition consistent with the property's condition prior to the installation of the system. (Ord. 2011-21, 5-12-2011; amd. Ord. 2020-22, 6-18-2020)