[3-7-2023(1)]
(a)
A roof-mounted solar energy system of any scale, regardless if the structure on which the system is located is a conforming or nonconforming structure with respect to minimum structure setback requirements identified in the Division 3.25 Dimensional Standards Table of this Article does not need to comply with minimum structure setback requirements.
(b)
A roof-mounted solar energy system of any scale shall be a permitted use in both the Resource Protection and Stream Protection Districts, if an existing structure is considered a legally established nonconforming use, or in the case of the Resource Protection District, if the use is permitted pursuant to Section 82-57, Special exception — Resource Protection District.
(c)
A ground-mounted solar energy system of any scale that is a permitted use in a designated Shoreland Zoning District, subject to the exception identified in Subsection (d) below, shall comply with the minimum structure setback requirement identified for the respective Shoreland Zoning District; reference Division 3, Structures, of this Article.
(d)
A ground-mounted small-scale solar energy system for a permitted residential use in a designated Shoreland Zoning District may be granted an exception to locate a ground-mounted solar energy system within the structure setback area, provided all of the following standards are satisfied:
(1)
The area in which the ground-mounted small-scale system is proposed is a legally existing cleared area (such as a cleared lawn), and any additional vegetation removal that is necessary to locate the system shall comply with vegetation cutting standards in Division 12 of this Article.
(2)
The size of the small-scale solar energy system that is installed shall be limited in its design to the energy needs of the use on the property, and any sale of energy to the power grid must be limited to the incidental excess power generation of the installed system.
(3)
The applicant for the exception identified in this Section must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Code Enforcement Officer that the existing cleared area is the most practical area on the property to install a small-scale ground-mounted solar energy system.
(4)
No portion of the solar energy system shall be located in an area that is designated as a V, VE, AE or AO zone pursuant to the Official Flood Maps for the City; reference Chapter 78, Floods.
(5)
A nonresidential use does not qualify for this exception.
[3-7-2023(1)]
A ground-mounted solar energy system (all scales) shall comply with the maximum lot coverage (impervious surface ratio) standards identified in Section 82-201. Only the paved, mounting block, or otherwise impervious areas of sites on which a ground-mounted solar energy system is installed shall be counted in the lot coverage calculation.
[3-7-2023(1)]
The installation of any ground-mounted solar energy system shall comply with the vegetation cutting and clearing standards identified in Section 82-393.