These standards are intended to ensure that solar and wind technology associated with existing and new development is designed to be compatible, safe in relation to existing and planned uses, and supports development consistent with this Code, the City's Comprehensive Plan, and the Design Guidelines and Standards for Architecture and Site Planning.

(Ord. 22-02 Art. 4)

The Solar and Wind Energy Standards shall apply to all zone districts, including all land within planned developments as provided herein. All applications for Solar Panels and wind turbines shall be in accordance with this Article.

(Ord. 22-02 Art. 4)

(a)

Solar Panels are allowed in all zone districts, subject to the standards herein.

(b)

Solar Panels, if installed on the ground, shall meet accessory use setbacks or five (5) feet, whichever is greater.

(c)

General standards.

(1)

All exposed electrical or plumbing lines shall be of a color compatible with the structure and materials adjacent to the lines; i.e., pipes on the walls shall be of a color compatible with the walls, while pipes on the roof shall be of a color compatible with the roof.

(2)

Exposed frames shall have a nonreflective surface. Aluminum trim, if used and visible, shall be of a color compatible with the surface upon which it is installed.

(d)

Standards for Roof-Mounted Panels.

(1)

The location and design of Solar Panels shall be integrated with the building architecture.

(2)

Solar Panels shall be placed uniformly, consistent with the overall roof configuration. The shape and proportions of the array shall be matched with the shape and proportions of the roof.

(3)

Solar Panels shall be installed flat on the plane of pitched roofs, or, if they must be pitched to obtain efficiencies, panels shall not exceed a pitch of twenty-five (25) degrees.

(4)

The placement of Solar Panels on angled roofs shall be designed so that they do not extend beyond the ridgeline or side edges of the roofline.

(5)

Solar Panels on flat roofs shall be positioned behind parapets or screen walls to the extent possible, or the panels shall be integrated into the architecture.

(e)

Review process.

(1)

A building permit is required for Solar Panels and shall be reviewed against the standards herein.

(2)

In addition to a building permit, Solar Panels on any development requiring a Site Improvement Plan (SIP) shall be reviewed as part of the SIP or associated amendment.

(f)

Submittal requirements. Applicants are required to submit:

(1)

An illustrated specification of the proposed Solar Panels that clearly depicts the system and defines the materials used; and

(2)

A plan that shows the location and number of Solar Panels (whether affixed to the roof or at ground level) and the location and color of any exterior system components. Setbacks shall be indicated if ground-mounted units are proposed.

(Ord. 22-02 Art. 4)

(a)

Small Wind Turbines are only allowed in the C-1, C-2, C-3 and B zone districts and in commercial or business areas of Planned Developments, subject to a Use by Special Review, pursuant to Article XXI of this Chapter. Small Wind Turbines are not allowed in residential zone districts or in residential areas of Planned Developments. Large Wind Turbines are not allowed in any zone district.

(b)

The Use by Special Review approval standards for Small Wind Turbines shall include all approval standards for uses by special review, pursuant to Article XXI of this Chapter, with the exception of the approval standard requiring adequate landscaping buffering and screening. In addition, the Use by Special Review application shall include provisions that:

(1)

Will minimize visual impacts through considerations, including but not limited to siting, color, finish, scale and the burying of transmission lines underground from the tower to the user or power grid; and

(2)

Will require the rotor blades to be a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet above the ground, unless safety is otherwise addressed to the satisfaction of City Council. Roof-mounted or enclosed turbines are exempt from this minimum distance requirement.

(Ord. 22-02 Art. 4)