Allowed Use. A small solar energy system is allowed as an accessory use in all zones in which structures are permitted.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-02, 2022; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
A.
Solar panels less than four square feet in size are exempt from the provisions of this section.
B.
Roof-Mounted Systems, Additional Standards.
1.
Roof-mounted systems shall be mounted as flush as possible to the roof, but in no case, extend higher than the roof peak height or the maximum structure height, whichever is shortest, for the zone. When the structure has a flat roof, the roof-mounted system may exceed the roof height by no more than three feet.
2.
Before any roof-mounted system is installed, the applicant shall comply with applicable Klamath County building codes.
C.
Ground-Mounted Systems, Additional Standards.
1.
Support structures for ground-mounted systems shall not exceed 15 feet in height. Total height shall not exceed 20 feet.
2.
Ground-mounted solar energy systems are considered structures and must meet applicable setbacks and lot coverage for the zone.
3.
Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall be screened by a fence and/or landscaping to mitigate unsightly appearance for other property owners.
4.
The overall area used by the ground-mounted solar panels shall be less than the footprint area used by the primary use structures.
5.
Before any ground-mounted system is installed, the applicant shall comply with applicable Klamath County building codes.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-02, 2022; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
A.
Accessory Use. A small wind energy system is allowed as an accessory use in all zones in which structures are permitted. This use is subject to Chapter 11, Article 1 (Residential Review) or Chapter 11, Article 2 (Minor Design Review).
B.
General Standards.
1.
Vertical axis wind turbines are encouraged; rotor blade (horizontal axis) wind energy systems may be less effective in Klamath Falls and may result in more bird strikes.
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2.
Small wind energy systems may not be illuminated, nor may they bear any signs or advertising. The manufacturer's or installer's identification, appropriate warning signs, and/or owner identification may be allowed, but not visible from any public right-of-way.
3.
Small wind energy systems shall conform to all current FAA regulations and policies.
4.
Small wind energy systems shall have automatic braking, governing, or feathering system to prevent uncontrolled rotation, over-speeding, and excessive pressure on the support structure and turbine components.
5.
All wiring serving small wind energy systems shall be buried underground or concealed within the structure on which the system is located.
6.
Noise produced by small wind energy systems shall not exceed 40 dBA measured at the property line surrounding the site with the small wind energy system.
7.
Small wind energy systems shall not cause any interference with normal radio and/or television reception in the surrounding area, with any public safety agency or organization (including, but not limited to, police, fire, ambulance, and United States Military) radio transmissions, or with any microwave communications link. All small wind energy systems shall comply at all times with all FCC rules, regulations and standards.
8.
A finish (paint/surface) shall be provided for the small wind energy system that is compatible with the structure on which the system is located, including the rotors. The owner shall maintain the finish, painted or unpainted, so that no discoloration is allowed to occur.
C.
Freestanding Systems, Additional Standards. Small wind energy systems may be mounted on a tower detached from other structures on the lot.
1.
Additional Setback. The minimum setback from any property line, overhead utility line, or public right-of-way shall be equal to the tallest point of the wind turbine. In addition to the system's structures, guy wires associated with towers shall meet applicable setbacks for the zone.
2.
Height. Total height for freestanding systems, including support structures and rotors, shall not extend more than five feet above the peak height of the primary use structure.
3.
Security. Support structures for freestanding systems shall be unclimbable from the ground to a height of at least 15 feet. The lowest end of the rotor blade shall be at least 10 feet from the ground when sweeping. All ground-mounted electrical and control equipment shall be labeled or secured to prevent unauthorized access.
4.
Number. A maximum of one freestanding small wind energy system may be allowed on a parcel.
D.
Roof-Mounted Systems, Additional Standards. Small wind energy systems may be mounted on the roof of a structure as an appurtenance.
1.
Height. Roof-mounted systems shall not be more than five feet above the peak height of the structure. For structures with multiple roof peaks at varying heights, the five feet above the peak height shall apply to the portion of the structure where the roof-mounted system is located.
2.
Number. There is no limit to the number of roof-mounted small wind energy systems permitted.
3.
Before any roof-mounted small wind energy system is mounted, the applicant shall comply with applicable Klamath County building codes.
E.
Wall-Mounted Systems, Additional Standards. Small wind energy systems may be mounted on the wall of a structure as an appurtenance.
1.
Height. Wall-mounted systems shall not be more than five feet above the peak height of the structure. For structures with multiple roof peaks at varying heights, the five feet above the peak height shall apply to the portion of the structure where the wall-mounted system is located.
2.
Wall-mounted small wind energy systems shall be architecturally integrated into the building.
3.
Wall-mounted small wind energy systems shall be located as close to and no more than four feet from the face of the wall.
4.
Before any wall-mounted small wind energy system is mounted, the applicant shall comply with applicable Klamath County building codes.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-13, 2022)
A.
Accessory Use. An innovative alternative energy system is allowed as an accessory use in all zones in which structures are permitted. This use is subject to Chapter 11, Article 1 (Residential Review) or Chapter 11, Article 2 (Minor Design Review).
B.
General Standards.
1.
Innovative alternative energy systems may not be illuminated, nor may they bear any signs or advertising.
2.
Innovative alternative energy system and their supporting structure (if applicable) shall not be bright, shiny, or reflective.
3.
Innovative alternative energy systems shall conform to all current FAA regulations and policies.
4.
Innovative alternative energy systems shall not cause any interference with normal radio and/or television reception in the surrounding area, with any public safety agency or organization (including, but not limited to, police, fire, ambulance, and United States Military) radio transmissions, or with any microwave communications link. All innovative alternative energy systems shall comply at all times with all FCC rules, regulations and standards.
C.
Freestanding Systems, Additional Standards. Innovative alternative energy systems may be detached from other structures on the lot.
1.
Additional Setback. The minimum setback from any property line, overhead utility line, or public right-of-way shall be equal to the tallest point of the energy system. In addition to the system's structures, guy wires associated with towers shall meet applicable setbacks for the zone.
2.
Height. Total height for freestanding systems shall not exceed five feet above the peak height of the primary use structure.
D.
Roof-Mounted Systems, Additional Standards. Innovative alternative energy systems may be mounted on the roof of a structure as an appurtenance.
1.
Height. Roof-mounted systems shall not be more than five feet above the peak height of the structure. For structures with multiple roof peaks at varying heights the five feet above the peak height shall apply to the portion of the structure where the roof-mounted system is located.
2.
Before any roof-mounted system is mounted the applicant shall comply with applicable Klamath County building codes.
E.
Wall-Mounted Systems, Additional Standards. Innovative alternative energy systems may be mounted on the wall of a structure as an appurtenance.
1.
Height. Wall-mounted systems shall not be more than five feet above the peak height of the structure. For structures with multiple roof peaks at varying heights the five feet above the peak height shall apply to the portion of the structure where the wall-mounted system is located.
2.
Wall-mounted innovative alternative energy systems shall be architecturally integrated into the building.
3.
Wall-mounted innovative alternative energy systems shall be located as close to the face of the wall as practicable.
4.
Before any wall-mounted system is mounted the applicant shall comply with applicable Klamath County building codes.
(Ord. 17-10, 2017; Ord. 22-13, 2022)