This chapter shall be known as the "Small-Scale Solar Energy
Systems Ordinance."
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ACCESSORY USE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A solar energy system that is secondary to the primary use
of the parcel on which it is located and which is directly connected
to or designed to serve the energy needs of the primary use. Excess
power may be sold to a power company.
APPLICANT
The person or entity who submits an application to the locality
for a permit to install a small-scale solar energy project under this
chapter.
PARCEL
All contiguous lands under the ownership of the property
owner.
SMALL-SCALE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A roof-mounted solar energy system with a total panel size
of 900 square feet or less and any other solar energy system, other
than a roof-mounted solar energy system, with a total panel size of
600 square feet or less.
[Amended 5-16-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-2]
Note: See also definitions set forth in § 415-9 of the Code of the Town of Pacific.
|
The following standards shall apply to small-scale solar energy
systems covered under this chapter:
A. In-ground/pole-mounted systems.
(1) Ground- and pole-mounted systems shall not exceed 10 feet in total
height when oriented at maximum design tilt.
(2) In any residential and commercial zoning districts, ground- and pole-mounted
systems shall not exceed four square feet in size.
(3) In any residential and commercial zoning districts, ground- and pole-mounted
systems shall not be located closer to the front lot line than the
principal building on the parcel and shall be set back at least 50
feet from any side boundary. Further, such systems shall be set back
at least 50 feet from any rear boundary which is adjacent to a residential
or commercial parcel. All such in-ground/pole-mounted systems shall
be screened to avoid reflected solar radiation onto adjacent or nearby
property, public roads and other areas open to the public.
B. Roof-mounted systems.
(1) Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed, by more than
four feet, the maximum allowed height in any zoning district.
(2) The collector and racking for roof-mounted systems that have a greater
pitch than the roof surface shall be set back from all roof edges
by at least two feet.
(3) Exterior piping for roof-mounted solar hot water systems may extend
beyond the perimeter of the structure on side and rear yard exposures.
(4) Roof-mounted solar systems, excluding building-integrated systems,
shall not cover more than 80% of the flat roof surface upon which
the collectors are mounted.
C. Wall-mounted systems.
(1) In any residential and commercial zoning districts, wall-mounted
solar energy systems shall cover no more than 25% of any exterior
wall facing a front yard.
Enforcement of this chapter shall be by means of withholding/withdrawing
the permit, by impositions of forfeitures, and/or by injunctive relief.
Forfeitures shall not be less than $25, nor more than $200, for each
day of noncompliance, together with the costs of prosecution. Further,
the Town shall have all other and further remedies to enforce the
terms of this chapter, as may be provided by law.
If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof
to any person or circumstance shall be held invalid, such invalidity
shall not affect the other provisions or applications of this chapter,
which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or application,
and to this end, the provisions of this chapter are severable.
This chapter shall be effective upon passage and publication,
as provided by law.