Solar energy systems or solar energy facilities constructed prior to the effective date of this article shall not be required to meet the requirements of this article.
(Ordinance 114, sec. 1, adopted 9/21/2021)
Solar energy systems or solar energy facilities constructed after the effective date of this article shall be required to meet the requirements of this article.
(Ordinance 114, sec. 2, adopted 9/21/2021)
Any upgrades, modification, or structural change that materially alters the size or placement of an existing solar energy system or facility shall comply with the provisions of this article.
(Ordinance 114, sec. 3, adopted 9/21/2021)
A solar collection system in the form of solar cells designed to look like conventional asphalt shingles and can be installed in a manner not to cause glare of sunlight to reflect onto adjacent properties.
A solar energy system that produces electricity by use of semiconductor devices, called photovoltaic cells, which generate electricity whenever light strikes them.
A subset of building mounted systems, building integrated systems are photovoltaic materials that are built into the structure rather than installed onto the structure.
A solar energy system which may include solar thermal panels, hot water system panels, and photovoltaic panels, which are mounted to a building or structure to provide energy primarily for on-site use. Building mounted solar panels may be flush mounted to a building roof facade in a manner that the panel cannot be angled or raised, or have the modules fixed to a type of frames which can be tilted or automatically adjusted at an angle for sun exposure.
(Ordinance 114, sec. 3(1)—(4), adopted 9/21/2021)
(a)
Construction standards.
Building mounted systems shall be subject to the following:
(1)
No solar energy system shall be mounted or affixed to any freestanding wall or fence.
(2)
A building mounted system shall not extend beyond the edge of the roof.
(3)
Solar panels installed on a building with a sloped roof shall not project vertically more than 30 inches above the roof surface, ridge line or highest point of the roof.
(4)
Solar panels installed on a building with a flat roof shall not extend more than 8 feet above the highest point of the roofline.
(b)
Notification of electric utility provider.
No solar energy system shall be installed until evidence has been presented to the city that the applicable electric utility provider has been informed and issued a form to the city.
(c)
Other regulations.
Solar panel systems shall be installed in conformance with all applicable city codes and ordinances, including the current International Fire Code and National Electrical Code, article 690 (Solar Photovoltaic Systems).
(d)
Ground-mounted systems prohibited.
No solar energy system shall be ground-mounted in the city.
(e)
Maintenance required.
All solar energy systems shall be kept in good repair and free from rust.
(Ordinance 114, sec. 3(5)—(9), adopted 9/21/2021)
A solar energy system shall be deemed abandoned if the use as a solar energy conversion system is discontinued. All components of an abandoned or unused solar energy system shall be removed within 12 months of the cessation of operations.
(Ordinance 114, sec. 3(10), adopted 9/21/2021)