A. Height: Solar energy systems must meet the following height requirements:
1. Building or roof mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed the maximum allowed height in any zoning district. For purposes for height measurement, solar energy systems other than building integrated systems shall be considered to be mechanical devices and are restricted consistent with other building mounted mechanical devices. Building integrated solar energy systems are active solar energy systems that are 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. Building integrated systems include, but are not limited to, photovoltaic or hot water solar energy systems that are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and awnings.
2. Ground or pole mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed twenty feet (20') in height when oriented at maximum tilt.
B. Setback: Solar energy systems must meet the accessory structure setback for the zoning district and primary land use associated with the lot on which the system is located.
1. Roof Mounted Solar Energy Systems: In addition to the building setback, the collector surface and mounting devices for roof mounted solar energy systems shall not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building on which the system is mounted or built. Exterior piping for solar hot water systems shall be allowed to extend beyond the perimeter of the building on a side or rear setback.
2. Ground Mounted Solar Energy Systems: Ground mounted solar energy systems may not extend into the front, side and street side setbacks when oriented at minimum design tilt.
C. Visibility: Solar energy systems shall be designed to blend into the architecture of the building or be screened from routine view from public rights of way other than alleys. The color of the solar collector is not required to be consistent with other roofing materials.
1. Building Integrated Photovoltaic Systems: Building integrated photovoltaic solar energy systems shall be allowed regardless of whether the system is visible from the public right of way, provided the building component in which the system is integrated meets all required setback, land use or performance standards for the district in which the building is located.
2. Solar Energy Systems With Mounting Devices: Solar energy systems using roof mounting devices or ground mount solar energy systems shall not be restricted if the systems that are visible from the nearest edge of the street frontage right of way shall be no higher than twenty four inches (24") above the roof, unless screened by a parapet or other screening to blend with the structure or roof.
3. Coverage: Roof or building mounted solar energy systems, excluding building integrated systems, shall not cover more than eighty percent (80%) of the roof upon which the panels are mounted, and shall be set back from the roof edge by a minimum of one foot (1'). The surface area of pole or ground mount systems shall not exceed half the building footprint of the principal structure.
D. Compliance With Building Codes: All solar energy systems shall comply with building, electrical, and plumbing codes and shall also require a permit from the building division. (Ord. 254, 12-16-2014)