The purpose of this article is to promote the use of solar energy
and to provide for the land development, installation, and construction
of solar energy systems in the Borough of Downingtown, subject to
reasonable conditions, that will protect the health, safety and welfare
of Borough residents.
Solar energy systems shall meet the requirements of this article
and all other applicable construction codes.
A. Ground-mounted solar energy systems.
(1)
A ground-mounted solar energy system shall comply with all setback
and height requirements for the zoning district where the solar energy
system is to be installed.
(2)
A ground-mounted solar energy system shall not exceed 600 square
feet.
(3)
A ground-mounted solar energy systems shall only be permitted
on parcels larger than one acre.
(4)
All exterior electrical and/or plumbing lines shall be buried
below the surface of the ground and be placed in a conduit.
(5)
A ground-mounted solar energy system must comply with the accessory
structure restrictions for the zoning district where the ground-mounted
solar energy system is located.
(6)
A ground-mounted solar energy system shall be installed in the
rear of the property.
(7)
A ground-mounted solar energy system shall not exceed a height
of 10 feet above the ground.
(8)
The applicant shall notify adjacent property owners of the application
for a solar energy system by certified mail, return receipt requested,
at the address on file with the Tax Assessment Office. The return
receipts shall be made available to the Borough upon request.
B. Roof-mounted solar energy systems.
(1)
A roof-mounted solar energy system shall conform to the height
regulations of the zoning district where the solar energy system is
installed.
(2)
All exterior electrical and/or plumbing shall be painted in
a color scheme that matches as closely as reasonably possible the
color of the structure and the materials adjacent to the lines.
(3)
On angled roofs, the solar energy system shall not project vertically
above the peak of the roof to which it is attached.
(4)
On flat roofs, the solar energy system shall not project greater
than two feet above the highest peak or parapet.
(5)
On pitched roofs, the solar energy system shall be installed
in the plane of the roof (flush mounted) or made part of the roof
design (i.e., solar shingles).
(6)
Solar energy systems shall be constructed in a way that permits
fire and emergency response to have adequate access to the roof of
the structure, to be approved by the Borough Engineer.