(a)

Accessory solar energy systems shall be permitted as set forth in the table of permitted uses in section 5 of this appendix.

(b)

Roof-mounted solar energy systems proposed on new structures or on additions to existing structures shall be reviewed according to the review procedure established by this appendix for the structure or addition. The review procedure for accessory solar energy systems is summarized in the following table:

(c)

Ground mounted accessory solar energy systems shall be sized to generate no more energy than one hundred twenty-five (125) percent of the energy that is necessary to support the residence. Accessory solar energy systems that generate more energy than stated above are prohibited.

(d)

At the time of application for a special use permit, as is applicable pursuant to this section, the applicant must demonstrate that any ground mounted accessory solar energy system has been designed to produce no more than one hundred twenty-five (125) percent of the energy that is necessary to support the residence. On a parcel with an existing residence, the applicant shall provide the energy consumption documentation for the use(s) for the previous three-year period. For all new residences, where ground mounted accessory solar is proposed, the applicant shall provide an estimate of energy usage prepared and certified by a qualified engineer or the utility.

(e)

Accessory solar energy systems shall not be constructed, installed, or modified as provided in this section before a building permit is obtained.

(f)

Ground-mounted accessory solar energy systems shall be subject to the following requirements:

(1)

Height of all ground-mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed six (6) feet above the average grade of the lot it is built on.

(2)

A disconnect will be required at the time of installation and the electric utility provider shall be notified of this installation.

(3)

All power transmission lines from a ground mounted solar energy system to any building or other structure shall be located underground, unless physical constraints to the land make underground lines impossible or impractical as determined by the building official.

(4)

Applicants proposing ground-mounted solar energy systems shall provide an appropriate buffer to adequately mitigate visual impacts on surrounding properties and the neighborhood in general. Selection of the proposed buffer should be based on the context and characteristics of the specific site. Fencing with design and materials that are appropriate to the surrounding natural and built environment may be permitted; however, vegetative buffers are preferred. The vegetative buffer surrounding the perimeter of the installation shall consist of plants from Rhode Island native plant database and shall be planted at full specified height at the time of planting.

(5)

Ground mounted solar shall be setback one hundred (100) feet from side or rear of property line, and ground-mounted solar energy systems shall not be located within a front yard of a property

(6)

The applicant shall submit a landscaping plan with building permit application for ground-mounted solar energy systems, landscaping must be provided to adequately screen the views of the panels.

(7)

The town's building and/or zoning enforcement officers may order removal or repair of any accessory ground-mounted solar energy system that is constructed, operated, or maintained in a manner that does not comply with this section or that does not comply with the terms of any approvals or permits issued by the town.

(8)

Decommissioning and removal at end of useful life of accessory ground mounted solar are the responsibility of the property owner.

(9)

When the accessory ground mounted solar energy system is scheduled to be decommissioned, the applicant shall notify the town by certified mail of the proposed date of discontinued operations and plans for removal. The owner shall physically remove the solar energy system no more than one hundred eighty (180) days after the discontinued operations. Decommissioning shall consist of:

a.

Physical removal of all solar energy panels, mounting systems, structures, equipment, security barriers and transmission lines from the site - including below grade foundations, transmissions/distribution lines, and other structures;

b.

Disposal of all solid and hazardous waste (if any) in accordance with local and state disposal regulations;

c.

Stabilization or revegetation of the site as necessary to minimize erosion; and

d.

Any earth disturbance as a result of the removal of the system shall be graded and reseeded.

(g)

Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall be subject to the following requirements:

(1)

It shall not exceed the height requirements prescribed by the zoning district in which they are located.

(2)

On flat roofs, accessory solar energy systems shall be set back from the edge and/or behind architectural features to be minimally visible.

(3)

Panels and devices may be set at a pitch and elevated, only if not visible from public streets.

(4)

On pitched roofs, the edge of the solar energy system shall be parallel to the roofline.

(5)

Roof mounted systems shall be sited so as to provide all proper clearances from other building roof penetrations, including but not limited to, plumbing stacks, elevator shafts and chimneys, and shall conform to the town's Building Code.

(6)

Detailed calculations and engineered drawings of the mounting must be provided. Flat roof elements shall not have equipment or support structures that are visible from public streets, public facilities or neighboring properties and shall be placed as close to the roof plane as possible.

(7)

Flush mounting is preferred on pitched roofs and shall not project vertically above the peak of the roof and/or no more than the height requirements for the zone in which they are located.

(8)

Equipment and support structures shall not extend beyond the existing roof area or above the top of the wall or existing roof peak of the building on which they are mounted.

(9)

Panels shall be installed per state building code and fire code.

(Ch. 279, 4-19-21)