HomeMy WebLinkAbout2640-22 - ADMIN Ordinance - City Council - 2022/01/18Ordinance No. 2640-22
Ordinance regarding Solar energy systems
The City of St. Louis Park does ordain:
Whereas, the comprehensive plan identifies solar energy as a viable option for reducing
greenhouse gasses and recommends amendments to the city code to allow solar energy
systems.
Whereas, the planning commission conducted a public hearing on December 8, 2021 on
the ordinance, and
Whereas, the city council considered the advice and recommendation of the planning
commission (case no. 21-40-ZA), and
Now, therefore be it resolved that the following amendments shall be made to the City
Code:
Section 1. Definitions. Chapter 36, Section 4 of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby
amended to delete the struck-out language and to add the following underlined text (place new
text in alphabetical order):
Ornamental structures are built or placed in the landscape for decorative or
horticultural purposes and are accessory to and detached from the principal structure.
They do not have solid walls or a solid roof. These include but are not limited to trellises,
arbors, arches, pergolas, gateways, flagpoles, fountains, birdbaths, birdhouses, and yard
sculptures. These do not include trees, shrubs or other vegetation
***
Solar energy system - building-integrated. A solar energy system that is an
integral part of a principal or accessory building, rather than a separate mechanical
device, replacing or substituting for an architectural or structural component of the
building. Building-integrated systems include but are not limited to active photovoltaic
or hot water systems that are contained within roofing materi als, windows, walls,
skylights, and awnings, or passive systems that are designed to capture direct solar
heat.
Solar energy system - building-mounted. A solar energy system affixed to a
principal or accessory building.
Solar energy system - freestanding. A solar energy system with a supporting
framework that is placed on, or anchored in the ground and that is independent of any
building or other structure. Garages, carports or similar structures that incorporate
building-integrated or building-mounted solar energy systems shall not be classified as
freestanding solar energy systems and shall instead be subject to regulations
governing accessory structures.
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Solar collector surface. Any part of a solar energy system that absorbs solar
energy for use in the system's transformation process. The collector surface does not
include frames, supports, and mounting hardware.
Solar energy. Radiant energy received from the sun that can be collected in the
form of heat or light by a solar collector.
Solar energy system . A device or structural design feature intended to provide for
collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for heating or cooling, electricity
generating, or water heating.
Section 2. Planned Unit Development, administrative amendments. Chapter 36, Section
32(d)(9) is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
5. The zoning administrator may approve amendments to the approved landscaping
plan to accommodate solar energy systems provided the solar energy system meets
the requirements of this chapter, the amendment does not result in a reduction to
the number of approved trees and shrubs, landscaping elements integral to the
overall design of the PUD are not impacted, landscaping utilized for the intent of
screening is not impacted, and pr operties subject to tree replacement requirements
meet the replacement requirements. Alternatively, the zoning administrator may
refer amendments to the city council for approval as either a minor or major
amendment to the PUD.
Section 3. Continued planned unit development, administrative amendments. Chapter 36,
Section 32(f)(3)b. is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
3. The zoning administrator may approve amendments to the approved landscaping
plan to accommodate solar energy systems pro vided the solar energy system meets
the requirements of this chapter, the amendment does not result in a reduction to
the number of approved trees and shrubs, landscaping elements integral to the
overall design of the PUD are not impacted, landscaping util ized for the intent of
screening is not impacted, and properties subject to tree replacement requirements
meet the replacement requirements. Alternatively, the zoning administrator may
refer amendments to the city council for approval as either a minor or major
amendment to the PUD.
Section 4. Conditional use permits, administrative amendments. Chapter 36, Section 33(c)
is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(9) Administrative amendment. The zoning administrator may approve amendments to
the approved landscaping plan to accommodate solar energy systems provided the solar
energy system meets the requirements of this chapter, the amendment does not result in a
reduction to the number of approve d trees and shrubs, landscaping elements integral to the
overall design of the CUP are not impacted, landscaping utilized for the intent of screening is
not impacted, and properties subject to tree replacement requirements meet the
replacement requirements . Alternatively, the zoning administrator may refer amendments to
the city council for approval as either a minor or major amendment to the CUP.
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Section 5. Yard encroachments. Chapter 36, Section 73(a) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to delete the following struck-out text (renumber accordingly):
(3) Ornamental structures that are a minimum of three feet from any lot line. Maximum
15 foot height limit except as allowed for flagpoles per Section 36 -78.
(4) Ornamental structures within the three foot yard area up to six feet tall in the rear and
side yards and up to three and one-half feet tall in the front yard.
(5) Arbors, pergolas, arches, gateways or similar open structures over purposeful
pedestrian walkways that extend between properties, between front and back yard
areas, or from the public right-of-way to a house or garage. Maximum one such
structure per lot line with a maximum ten foot height and ten foot width within the
required three foot yard area.
Section 6. Yard encroachments. Chapter 36, Section 73 of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to delete the following struck-out text:
(d) Rear yard. The following shall not be encroachments on rear yard requirements
provided no permanent structure is placed in an easement without first obtaining approval of
an encroachment agreement:
(1) Detached outdoor picnic shelters, gazebos and recreational equipment that are a
minimum of three feet from the rear and side lot lines.
(2) Swimming pools, whirlpools, saunas and tennis courts provided they are a minimum of
five feet from the rear lot line, are enclosed by a privacy fence that screens the view
from neighboring properties, and any associated accessory structures such as the
required fence, decks, patios, and heating equipment meet all Code requirements
including subsections (a), (b), and (d) of this section, section 36-74 and section 36-162.
Section 7. Height limitations. Chapter 36, Section 78 of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(d) building integrated solar energy system extending not more than three feet above the
limiting height of the building.
Section 8. Park and open space district regulations. Chapter 36, Section 151(e) of the St.
Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(9) Solar energy systems.
Section 9. Residential district regulations - restrictions and performance standards.
Chapter 36, Section 162(b) of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended delete the
following struck-out text and to add the following underlined text:
(b) Definitions. For the purpose of subsections (d), and (e), and (f) of this section, and of
section 74 (fences) of this chapter, the listed terms are defined and illustrated as follows:
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Section 10. Residential district regulations - restrictions and performance standards.
Chapter 36, Section 162(d)(1) of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to add the
following underlined text:
a. Accessory structures located in the rear and side yards shall be a minimum of three
feet from the lot line if over six feet in height.
Accessory structures that are located in the front yard and are over four feet in height
shall be located at least 15 feet from the lot line abutting the street opposite the front
face of the house, three feet from internal side lot lines, and in the case of a lot with
more than one street frontage, nine feet from all other lot lines abutting a street.
b. Arbors, pergolas, arches, gateways or similar open structures over purposeful
pedestrian walkways that extend between properties, between front and back yard
areas, or from the public right-of-way to a house or garage may be located up to the
property line with the following conditions:
1. No more than one such structure per lot line
2. The structure shall not exceed 10 feet in height and width and three feet in
depth.
Section 11. Residential district regulations - restrictions and performance standards.
Chapter 36, Section 163(d)(1) of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to add the
following underlined text:
h. Swimming pools, whirlpools, saunas, sport courts, and swing set/climbing structures
are permitted in the backyard and side yards only and shall meet the following
requirements:
1. They are a minimum of five feet from the rear lot line .
2. They meet the same side yards as required for the principal building.
3. A six-foot privacy fence shall be required to screen the portion of the swimming
pool, whirlpool, or sport court located within 25 feet of the rear lot line.
Section 12. Residential district regulations - restrictions and performance standards.
Chapter 36, Section 163(d)(7) of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to add the
following underlined text:
(7) Permit required. All accessory buildings (including accessory buildings 200 square feet
or less in area) and detached decks shall obtain a zoning or building permit prior to
installation and must be anchored in a manner approved by the city.
Section 13. R-1 single-family residence district. Chapter 36, Section 163(e) of the St. Louis
Park City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(17) Solar energy systems.
Section 14. R-2 single-family residence district. Chapter 36, Section 164(e) of the St. Louis
Park City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(17) Solar energy systems.
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Section 15. R-3 two-family residence district. Chapter 36, Section 165(e) of the St. Louis
Park City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(17) Solar energy systems.
Section 16. R-3 two-family residence district. Chapter 36, Section 165(f)(5) of the St. Louis
Park City Code is hereby amended to add the following diagram after the existing text:
Section 17. R-4 multiple-family residence district. Chapter 36, Section 166(e) of the St.
Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(16) Solar energy systems.
Section 18. R-C high-density multiple-family residence district. Chapter 36, Section 167(e)
of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(17) Solar energy systems.
Section 19. C-1 Neighborhood commercial district. Chapter 36, Section 193(e) of the St.
Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(7) Solar energy systems.
Section 20. C-2 General commercial district. Chapter 36, Section 194(e) of the St. Louis
Park City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(10) Solar energy systems.
Section 21. O Office district. Chapter 36, Section 223(e) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(7) Solar energy systems.
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Section 22. BP Business park district. Chapter 36, Section 233(e) of the St. Louis Park City
Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(9) Solar energy systems.
Section 23. Industrial park district regulations. Chapter 36, Section 243(c) of the St. Louis
Park City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(14) freestanding solar energy system. The conditions are as follows:
a. The area of the system shall not exceed 70% of the lot size.
b. Soils shall be planted and maintained for the duration of operation in perennial,
pollinator-friendly vegetation to prevent erosion, manage run off, and improve
soil. Vegetation should include a mix of grasses and wildflowers native to the
region.
c. Foundations. A qualified engineer shall certify that the foundation and design of
the solar panels racking and support is within accepted profe ssional standards,
given local soil and climate conditions.
d. Power and communication lines. Power and communication lines running
between banks of solar panels and to nearby electric substations or
interconnections with buildings shall be buried underground. Exemptions may be
granted in instances where shallow bedrock, water courses, or other elements of
the natural landscape interfere with the ability to bury lines, or distance makes
undergrounding infeasible, at the discretion of the zoning administrator.
Section 24. I-G General industrial district. Chapter 36, Section 244(c) of the St. Louis Park
City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(18) freestanding solar energy system. The conditions are as follows:
a. The area of the system shall not exceed 70% of the lot size.
b. Soils shall be planted and maintained for the duration of operation in perennial,
pollinator-friendly vegetation to prevent erosion, manage run off, and improve soil.
Vegetation should include a mix of grasses and wildflowers native to the region.
c. Foundations. A qualified engineer shall certify that the foundation and design of
the solar panels racking and support is within accepted professional standards,
given local soil and climate conditions.
d. Power and communication lines. Power and communication lines running
between banks of solar panels and to nearby electric substations or
interconnections with buildings shall be buried underground. Exemptions may be
granted in instances where shallow bedrock, wat er courses, or other elements of
the natural landscape interfere with the ability to bury lines, or distance makes
undergrounding infeasible, at the discretion of the zoning administrator.
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Section 25. I-G General industrial district. Chapter 36, Section 244(e) of the St. Louis Park
City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(10) Solar energy systems.
Section 26. MX-1 vertical mixed use district. Chapter 36, Section 264(f) of the St. Louis
Park City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(14) Solar energy systems.
Section 27. MX-2 Neighborhood mixed use district. Chapter 36, Section 265(f) of the St.
Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(10) Solar energy systems.
Section 28. PUD-1. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 1(c) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(5) Solar energy systems.
Section 29. PUD-2. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 2(d) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(6) Solar energy systems.
Section 30. PUD-3. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 3(d) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(9) Solar energy systems.
Section 31. PUD-4. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 4(c) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(8) Solar energy systems.
Section 32. PUD-5. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 5(c) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(10) Solar energy systems.
Section 33. PUD-6. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 6(c) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(6) Solar energy systems.
Section 34. PUD-7. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 7(c) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(9) Solar energy systems.
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Section 35. PUD-8. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 8(c) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(8) Solar energy systems.
Section 36. PUD-9. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 9(b)(2) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to delete the following strike-out text and add the following underlined text:
e. Solar Panels Solar energy systems.
i. Rooftop of building mounted systems.
1. Roof or building mounted solar systems may exceed the maximum allowed
height in the PUD zoning district by 3 feet.
ii. Ground or accessory structure mounted solar systems.
1. The height of a ground or accessory structure mounted solar system, measured
when oriented at maximum design tilt, shall not exceed 20 feet.
Section 37. PUD-9. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 9(c)(2) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to delete the following strike-out text and add the following underlined text:
h. Solar panels Solar energy systems.
i. Roof or building mounted solar systems may exceed the maximum allowed height
in the PUD zoning district by 3 feet.
Section 38. PUD-9. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 9(d)(3) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to delete the following strike-out text and add the following underlined text:
f. Solar panels Solar energy systems.
i. Roof or building mounted solar systems may exceed the maximum allowed height
in the PUD zoning district by 3 feet.
Section 39. PUD-9. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 9(e)(2) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to delete the following strike-out text and add the following underlined text:
h. Solar panels Solar energy systems.
i. Roof or building mounted solar systems may exceed the maximum allowed height
in the PUD zoning district by 3 feet.
Section 40. PUD-10. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 10(c) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(7) Solar energy systems.
Section 41. PUD-11. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 11(d) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(7) Solar energy systems.
Section 42. PUD-12. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 12(d) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
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(8) Solar energy systems.
Section 43. PUD-13. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 13(d) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to delete the following strike-out text and add the following underlined text:
(7) Solar panels. Roof or building mounted solar systems shall not exceed the maximum
allowed height in PUD 13. Solar energy systems.
Section 44. PUD-14. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 14(c) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
(7) Solar energy systems.
Section 45. PUD-15. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 15(b)A (Accessory uses) of the St. Louis
Park City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
AB. Accessory uses:
***
7. Accessory utility structures including:
i. Small wind energy conversion system as defined in 36-4 Definitions.
ii. Solar energy systems. A solar energy system with a supporting framework that is
either place on, or anchored in, the ground and that is independent of any building
or other structure; or that is affixed to or an integral part of a principal or accessory
building, including but not limited to photovoltaic or hot water solar energy
systems which are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and
awnings.
iii. Cisterns and rainwater collection systems.
Section 46. PUD-16. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 16(b)2 of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
h. Accessory utility structures including:
i. Small wind energy conversion system as defined in 36-4 Definitions.
ii. Solar energy systems. A solar energy system with a supporting framework that is
either place on, or anchored in, the ground and that is independent of any building
or other structure; or that is affixed to or an integral part of a principal or accessory
building, including but not limited to photovoltaic or hot water solar energy
systems which are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and
awnings.
iii. Cisterns and rainwater collection systems.
Section 47. PUD-17. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 17(c) of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
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1. Accessory utility structures including:
a. Small wind energy conversion system as defined in 36-4 Definitions.
b. Solar energy systems. A solar energy system with a supporting framework that is
either place on, or anchored in, the ground and that is independent of any building
or other structure; or that is affixed to or an integral part of a principal or accessory
building, including but not limited to photovoltaic or hot water solar energy
systems which are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and
awnings.
c. Cisterns and rainwater collection systems.
Section 48. PUD-18. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 18(b)2 of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
g. Accessory utility structures including:
i. Small wind energy conversion system as defined in 36-4 Definitions.
ii. Solar energy systems. A solar energy system with a supporting framework that is
either place on, or anchored in, the ground and that is independent of any building
or other structure; or that is affixed to or an integral part of a principal or accessory
building, including but not limited to photovoltaic or hot water solar energy
systems which are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and
awnings.
iii. Cisterns and rainwater collection systems.
Section 49. PUD-19. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 19(b)2 of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
g. Accessory utility structures including:
i. Small wind energy conversion system as defined in 36-4 Definitions.
ii. Solar energy systems. A solar energy system with a supporting framework that is
either place on, or anchored in, the ground and that is independent of any building
or other structure; or that is affixed to or an integral part of a principal or accessory
building, including but not limited to photovoltaic or hot water solar energy
systems which are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and
awnings.
iii. Cisterns and rainwater collection systems.
Section 50. PUD-20. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 20(b)3 of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
h. Accessory utility structures including:
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i. Small wind energy conversion system as defined in 36-4 Definitions.
ii. Solar energy systems. A solar energy system with a supporting framework that is
either place on, or anchored in, the ground and that is independent of any building
or other structure; or that is affixed to or an integral part of a principal or accessory
building, including but not limited to photovoltaic or hot water solar energy
systems which are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and
awnings.
iii. Cisterns and rainwater collection systems.
Section 51. PUD-21. Chapter 36, Section 268-PUD 21(b)3 of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
g. Accessory utility structures including:
i. Small wind energy conversion system as defined in 36-4 Definitions.
ii. Solar energy systems. A solar energy system with a supporting framework that is
either place on, or anchored in, the ground and that is independent of any building
or other structure; or that is affixed to or an integral part of a principal or accessory
building, including but not limited to photovoltaic or hot water solar energy systems
which are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and awnings.
iii. Cisterns and rainwater collection systems.
Section 52. Architectural design. Chapter 36, Section 366(c)(1)a of the St. Louis Park City
Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text (renumber accordingly):
9. wall mounted solar energy system.
Section 53. Architectural design. Chapter 36, Section 366(d)(3)a of the St. Louis Park City
Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text:
4. Solar collector surface and its frame shall be exempt from rooftop screening
requirements.
Section 54. Solar energy systems. Chapter 36, Section 369 of the St. Louis Park City Code is
hereby amended to add the following underlined text (renumber accordingly):
Sec. 36-369. Solar energy systems.
(a) Purpose. Regulations governing solar energy systems are established to provide for
appropriate locations for solar energy systems, to ensure compatibility with
surrounding uses, and to promote safe and effective use of solar energy to increase
opportunities for generation of renewable energy.
(b) Findings.
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Ordinance No. 2640-22 12
(1) The city of St. Louis Park desires to encourage the use of local renewable energy.
(2) It is in the city’s best interest to promote sustainable building design and
management practices to serve the needs of current and future generations.
(3) Solar energy is an abundant, renewable, and nonpolluting energy resource and its
conversion to electricity or heat reduces dependence on nonrenewable energy
resources and decreases the air and water pollution that results from the use of
conventional energy sources.
(4) Distributed solar photovoltaic systems will enhance the reliability and power quality
of the power grid and make more efficient use of St. Louis Park’s electric distribution
infrastructure.
(5) Solar energy is an underused local energy resource and encouraging the use of solar
energy will diversify the city’s energy supply.
(c) Administrative review process.
(1) Permit required. A permit shall be issued prior to the installation of a solar energy
system.
(2) Submittal requirements. An application for a solar energy system shall be filed on a
form approved by the zoning administrator. In addition, the applicant shall submit
the following:
a. Written evidence that the electric utility service provider that serves the
proposed site has been informed of the applicant's intent to install a solar
energy system, unless t he applicant does not plan, and so states so in the
application, to connect the system to the electricity grid.
b. All solar installations must comply with applicable building, electric and
plumbing codes.
(3) In general. The zoning administrator may impose such conditions and require such
guarantees deemed reasonable and necessary to protect the public interest and to
ensure compliance with the standards and purposes of this zoning ordinance and
policies of the comprehensive plan.
(d) Standards by zoning district. Solar energy systems are allowed as provided in each
zoning district and must comply with the provisions of this ordinance.
(1) Building-mounted solar energy systems.
a. Building mounted solar energy systems are permitted as an accessory use in all
zoning districts.
b. Building-mounted solar energy systems shall comply with the dimensional
standards applicable to the structure it is attached to.
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c. Notwithstanding the height limitations of the zoning district, building mounted
solar energy systems shall not extend higher than three (3) feet above the
ridge level of a roof on a structure with a gable, hip, or gambrel roof and shall
not extend higher than ten (10) feet above the surface of the roof when
installed on flat or shed roof.
d. The solar collector surface and mounting devices for building -mounted solar
energy systems shall be set back not less than one (1) foot from the exterior
perimeter of a roof for each one (1) foot that the system extends above the
parapet wall or roof surface, if no parapet wall exists, on which the system is
mounted. Solar energy systems that extend less than three (3) feet above the
roof surface shall be exempt from this provision.
e. All solar energy systems using a reflector to enhance solar production shall
minimize glare from the reflector that affects adjacent or nearby properties.
Measures to minimize nuisance glare include selective placement of the
system, screening on the north side of the solar array, modifying the
orientation of the system, reducing use of the reflector system, or other
remedies that limit glare.
(2) Freestanding solar energy systems.
a. Freestanding solar energy systems located in a residential district shall be
considered an accessory structure and are governed by all the regulations a s
such except that they are not permitted in the front yard or side yard abutting
the street.
b. Freestanding solar energy systems located in all other zoning districts shall be
considered accessory structures unless stated otherwise in a zoning district.
Freestanding solar energy systems as accessory structures are governed by all
the regulations as such with the following exceptions:
1. Freestanding solar energy systems shall be located at least three feet from
the interior side and rear lot lines not adjacent to residential zoning
districts.
2. Freestanding solar energy systems are not permitted in the front yard or
side yard abutting the street required for accessory structures unless
installed over parking lots or parking structures.
3. Freestanding solar energy systems cannot exceed 20 feet in height,
measured from the ground to the highest point of the system.
c. The area of a freestanding solar energy system shall be determined by drawing
the smallest possible polygon around the perimeter of the so lar collector
surfaces as arranged on the ground.
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d. The solar collector surface shall not be included when determining
pervious/impervious surface. Determination shall defer to the surface material
underneath the solar collector surface.
e. The area of the solar collector surface of freestanding solar energy systems
shall be included in the maximum allowed size for accessory buildings unless
otherwise noted in this chapter . Notwithstanding any other provision to the
contrary, solar energy syst ems installed over parking lots and parking
structures shall not count toward the maximum solar collector surface area
allowed.
f. The supporting framework for freestanding solar energy systems shall be
constructed of materials designed for permanent outd oor use.
g. All abandoned or unused freestanding solar energy systems shall be removed
within twelve (12) months of the cessation of operations.
h. All solar energy systems using a reflector to enhance solar production shall
minimize glare from the reflect or that affects adjacent or nearby properties.
Measures to minimize nuisance glare include selective placement of the
system, screening on the north side of the solar array, modifying the
orientation of the system, reducing use of the reflector system, or other
remedies that limit glare.
Section 55. This ordinance shall take effect 15 days after publication.
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council January 18, 2022
Kim Keller, city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest: Approved as to form and execution:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jared Shepherd, city attorney
First reading January 3, 2022
Second reading January 18, 2022
Date of publication January 27, 2022
Date ordinance takes effect February 11, 2022
DocuSign Envelope ID: CA73F1D6-8513-4C63-A383-44C3AAEA382F