[Ord. No. 15-2012]
Shall mean a solar energy system and all associated equipment
which converts solar energy into usable electrical energy, heats water
or produces hot air or other similar function through the use of solar
panels.
Shall mean a structure containing one or more receptive cells,
the purpose of which is to convert solar energy into usable electrical
energy by way of solar energy system.
Shall mean equipment that converts energy from the wind into
electricity. This term includes the rotor, blades, and associated
mechanical and electrical conversion components necessary to generate,
store and/or transfer energy.
[Ord. No. 15-2012]
The purpose of this section is to establish requirements for
the installation of solar panels within the Borough of Bloomingdale.
[Ord. No. 15-2012]
a.
Before any solar panel may be installed, plans for such installation
shall be submitted to the Bloomingdale Building Department and Bloomingdale
Fire Department officials. No solar panel shall be installed without
a permit issued by the Borough.
b.
The design of the solar panel system shall conform to all applicable
industry standards including the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code,
the National Electric Code and the Bloomingdale Building Code and
Zoning Regulations. The applicant shall submit certificates of design
compliance obtained by the equipment manufacturer from a certified
organization and any such design shall be certified by an engineer
registered in the State of New Jersey. The manufacturer specifications
shall be submitted as part of the application.
[Ord. No. 15-2012; amended 2-21-2023 by Ord. No. 7-2023]
a.
Solar panels shall be permitted as a rooftop installation only in
any zoning district. A roof-mounted system may be mounted on a principal
building or accessory building. Ground-mounted solar systems or arrays
shall not be permitted except on Borough owned property.
b.
Roof-mounted solar panels shall be mounted parallel to the roof angle
and shall not exceed a height of 12 inches above the rooftop.
c.
A roof-mounted solar panel that is mounted on a flat roof may be
angled to achieve maximum sun exposure but shall not exceed five feet
above the roof. No such mounted solar panel shall exceed the maximum
permitted height of the structure.
d.
All roof-mounted panels shall be installed at least three feet from
the roof edges.
e.
Roof-mounted solar panels shall not be permitted on the front roof
of a structure which faces a street. This requirement shall also apply
to the side street of a corner lot. Solar panels shall be located
on a rear- or side-facing roof, as viewed from any adjacent street.
The removal of potential obstructions such as interceding vegetation
shall not be sufficient cause for permitting a front-facing installation.
Front-facing installation may be permitted if the applicant presents
valid reasons to the Building Official as to why a front roof is the
only effective or possible means for utilizing solar energy on the
property. Such information shall be certified by a professional deemed
qualified by the Building Department and reviewed by the Borough Engineer
and any other professionals that the Borough deems necessary. All
solar energy systems shall comply with the following conditions:
1.
Solar panels shall be placed such that concentrated solar radiation
or glare shall not be directed onto nearby properties, businesses,
residential homes or roadways.
2.
All exterior electrical lines must be painted a color scheme that
matches as closely as reasonably possible the color of the structure
and adjacent materials.
3.
An external disconnect switch, which is clearly identified and unobstructed,
shall be provided.
4.
Signage identifying the use of solar panels shall be posted at an
easily visible location. The signage shall clearly state the name,
address and telephone number of the vendor authorized to deactivate
the solar panel system in the case of an emergency.
5.
In addition to the required signage, property owners shall provide
the Borough Fire Official with a map illustrating the location of
the disconnect switch, as well as any information regarding the vendor
authorized to deactivate the solar panel.
6.
Marking is required on all interior and exterior direct conduit,
raceway, enclosures, cable assemblies and junction boxes to alert
the Fire Service to avoid cutting them.
[Ord. No. 15-2012]
Wind generators, wind turbines, and similar devices shall be
prohibited in any zone of the municipality except on Borough owned
property.
[Added 2-21-2023 by Ord. No. 7-2023]
The Borough Zoning Officer and/or Construction Official shall
be responsible for enforcement of this chapter.
