1.   General

   a)   Roof-mounted solar energy systems and wall-mounted solar energy systems must comply with all location, setback, size, and height requirements of its attached structure.

   b)   Ground-mounted solar energy systems must comply with all location, setback, size, and height standards relating to accessory structures in that zoning district. Ground-mounted solar energy system height must be measured from the top of the grade to the highest point of the structure at its maximum designed height.

   c)   Ground-mounted solar energy systems in parking lots within the B-1, B-2, B-3, I-1, PID district, and conditionally permitted uses within residential districts are allowed, but must meet the following:

      1)   Location: Must follow parking lot setback requirements and may not disrupt parking lot spaces, landscape, or drive aisle requirements.

      2)   Height: Structures in drive aisles must have a 13.5-foot vehicle clearance and may not exceed 20 feet in height or the height of the principal structure, whichever is less. Structures located over parking stalls must have a 9-foot clearance and may not exceed 20 feet in height or the height of the principal structure, whichever is less. Structures may not interfere with fire apparatus access (as determined by the city's fire marshal).

      3)   Design: Solar energy system structures may not be enclosed or have walls.

   d)   Solar Energy Systems collector surfaces must be oriented to not direct glare towards neighboring windows. Where necessary, screening may be required to address glare.

   e)   Solar energy collector devices less than two (2) square foot in area and generally used for garden decoration, exterior accent lighting, lawns, and flagpoles, are exempt from the requirements of this section.

   f)   Accessory solar energy systems installed by a government agency or public utility on light poles, signs, transit shelters, within the public right of way, easements, and city-owned property are exempt from the provisions of this section.

2.   Safety

   a)   Solar energy systems and all components thereof must meet the minimum manufacturer standards, if any, as required by the Minnesota State Building Code, including the Plumbing Code, Electrical Code, Energy Code, and Fire Code, as applicable.

   b)   Any solar energy system found to be unsafe by the building official or designee must be repaired by the owner to meet all code requirements or removed as directed.

   c)   If any solar energy system remains nonfunctional or inoperative for a continuous period of twelve (12) months, the system will be deemed abandoned and will constitute a public nuisance. The owner must remove the abandoned system at their expense after any required permits have been obtained. Removal includes the entire structure, including transmission equipment and footings.

(Added by Ord. No. 2022-18, effective November 14, 2022)