The following requirements shall apply to rural and residential zones which are being used for residences.

(Ord. No. PZ-C-006-10, § 1)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Photovoltaic means solar panels that use sunlight to generate electricity.

Solar array means a group of solar panels or solar energy devices consisting of a linked series of photovoltaic modules. A solar array is measured in square feet by determining the overall maximum length and width and multiplying the two.

Solar energy device means any solar energy collection system, including solar panels, either freestanding (ground-mounted or pole-mounted), wall mounted, or attached to a roof or structure, the primary purpose of which is to provide for the collection, inversion, storage, and distribution of solar energy for generating electricity.

(Ord. No. PZ-C-006-10, § 1)

A.

Solar energy devices shall not be the primary use of a property.

B.

All freestanding solar energy devices will be treated as detached accessory buildings and shall conform to the requirements for detached accessory buildings in a particular zoning district.

C.

Solar arrays placed on buildings, primary or accessory, may not encroach into the required setbacks for that zone. Roof mounted solar arrays shall not be subject to the maximum height restrictions of the zone. See additional requirements for flat roof and pitched roof installations:

1.

Flat roofs. Solar arrays placed on flat rooftops of either a primary or accessory building shall not exceed five feet measured from the roofline, perpendicularly to the highest point of the solar device.

2.

Pitched roofs. Solar arrays placed on pitched rooftops of either a primary or accessory building shall not exceed two feet measured from the roofline, perpendicularly to the highest point of the solar device.

D.

In residential zones; CR-1A, CR-1, CR-2, CR-3, CR-4, CR-5, MH, RV, MHP, PM/RVP and TR:

1.

All freestanding solar energy devices shall be restricted to a location in the rear or side yard, meeting rear or side yard setbacks for that zone.

2.

Solar devices shall not exceed six feet in height, measured from the undisturbed grade to the highest point of the solar device.

E.

An application, site plan, electrical diagrams, major component information, mounting details, and notes concerning installation shall be submitted to development services for review prior to permit issuance.

F.

Solar energy devices shall comply with all applicable building and electrical codes.

(Ord. No. PZ-C-006-10, § 1)