[Added 11-1-2016[1]]
The purpose of this article is to provide for the regulation
of the construction and operation of solar energy facilities in the
Town of Killingworth, subject to reasonable conditions that will protect
the environment, public health, safety, and welfare.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
A solar energy collection system that is accessory to the
principal use on the lot and interconnected to the local utility electrical
grid on the customer's side of the electric meter, generates electricity
for direct consumption on the subject property to offset electricity
purchased from the local electric distribution company, and performs
in accordance with current state net-metering laws.
A small solar energy collection system where solar panels
are mounted onto a pole, rack or suitable foundation attached to the
ground.
A small solar energy collection system that is installed
upon or is part of the roof of a building or structure located on
the subject property. Systems integrated as awnings or attached to
the roofs of porches, sheds, carports and covered parking structures
also fall under this category.
Small solar energy systems include ground- and roof-mounted
systems.
A.
Energy. The energy generated by a small solar energy system shall
be used for direct consumption on the subject property and be interconnected
to the electric utility power grid to offset energy use on the subject
property in accordance with current state net-metering laws.
B.
Construction. The construction of the small solar energy system shall
be in accordance with an approved building permit application. If
the small solar energy system is to be interconnected to the local
utility power grid, a copy of the notification from the local electric
distribution company (EDC) that the EDC has received a complete interconnection
request ("application").
C.
Appearance, color, and finish. The small solar energy system shall
remain painted or finished the color or finish that was originally
applied by the manufacturer.
D.
Signs. All signs, other than the manufacturer's, or installer's identification,
appropriate warning signs, or owner identification, on a small solar
energy system shall be prohibited. Installers and/or developers are
limited to one sign indicating their role in the system installation.
E.
Code compliance. A small solar energy system shall comply with all
applicable construction and electrical codes.
F.
Emergency services. The solar energy system owner or operator shall
provide a copy of the project summary, electrical schematic, and site
plan to the local fire marshal. Upon request, the owner or operator
shall cooperate with local emergency services in developing an emergency
response plan. All means of shutting down the solar energy system
shall be clearly marked.
G.
Removal. All obsolete or unused systems shall be removed within 12
months of cessation of operations without cost to the Town. System
components should be reused or recycled whenever possible.
A.
Roof-mounted small solar energy systems are permitted in all districts
subject to a zoning administrative permit issued by the Zoning Enforcement
Officer.
B.
Roof-mounted small solar energy systems shall include integrated
solar shingles, tiles, or panels as the surface layer of the roof
structure with no additional apparent change in relief or projection
(the preferred installation), or separate flush or rack-mounted solar
panels mechanically fastened to and/or secured with ballast on the
roof surface.
D.
It shall be demonstrated that the placement of the system shall not
adversely affect safe access to the roof, pathways to specific areas
of the roof, and safe egress from the roof.
E.
Any glare generated by the system must be mitigated or directed away
from an adjoining property or adjacent road when it creates a nuisance
or safety hazard.
F.
Rooftop panels shall be configured in a square or rectangular pattern.
A.
Ground-mounted small solar energy systems are permitted in all districts only when specifically authorized in the particular instance by site plan approval by the Commission, subject to the conditions prescribed in or pursuant to Article XXVI of these regulations.
B.
Setbacks.
(1)
In all districts, ground-mounted small-scale solar energy systems
shall be placed so that no individual component is closer than 30
feet from the rear lot line and 50 feet from side lot lines. Ground-
or pole-mounted solar energy systems shall only be allowed in the
rear or the side yard behind the front building line.
(2)
In Commercial and Industrial Districts, ground-mounted small-scale
solar energy systems shall be screened from adjoining residential
districts by arborvitae or similar evergreen hedge planted six feet
on center located on the outside of the perimeter fence. The Commission
may allow additional or alternative screening methods such as berms
and opaque fencing or the use of existing vegetation when it is determined
that such alternatives are more appropriate for the particular site.
(3)
For small-scale solar energy systems that swivel, rotate, or
are otherwise capable of movement in any plane, the system shall be
located such that at no point of rotation or movement shall the systems
be closer to the lot line than specified in this section.
C.
Height. The total height of the solar energy system, including any
mounts, shall not exceed 15 feet above the finished grade at maximum
height.
D.
Panels shall be mounted onto a pole, rack or suitable foundation
in accordance with manufacturer specifications in order to ensure
the safe operation and stability of the system. The mounting structure
(fixed or tracking capable) shall be comprised of materials approved
by the manufacturer, which are able to fully support the system components
and withstand adverse weather conditions.
E.
Multiple mounting structures shall be spaced apart at the distance
recommended by the manufacturer to ensure safety and maximum efficiency.
F.
Any electrical wiring used in the system shall be underground (trenched)
except where wiring is brought together for interconnection to system
components and/or the local utility power grid.
G.
Land clearing and soil erosion impacts. Clearing of natural vegetation
shall be limited to what is necessary for the construction, operation
and maintenance of the ground-mounted solar energy system.
H.
No ground-mounted small solar energy system shall be affixed to a
fence.
