Plandome Manor City Zoning Code
§ 225-13
Solar energy collection systems.
[Added 12-21-2010 by L.L. No. 1-2011]
A.
Applicability. This section applies to all accessory solar energy collection systems proposed to be constructed after the effective date of this section.
B.
Administration. The fee for any accessory solar energy collection system application shall be the same as for a building permit.
C.
Purpose. No solar energy system shall be erected or installed unless the system is designed to be appropriate for the intended location and meets all standards of the Village and the New York State Building Code. The applicant shall appear before the Design Review Board before a permit shall be issued by the Building Inspector.
D.
Installation.
(1)
Placement shall be flush or flat mounted as close as practicable on a gabled, hipped or mansard roof, not to exceed six inches, with no extension above the roof.
(2)
All solar collection panels shall be screened from street level or from an adjoining property.
(3)
Heat-storing masses and ground-mounted solar collector systems shall only be allowed in a rear yard, and placement shall comply with accessory structure regulations.
(4)
As much as possible, all panels, tiles or slates are to appear like and are to match the color of the roof or wall to which they are attached.
E.
General.
[Amended 2-15-2011 by L.L. No. 3-2011]
(1)
On existing buildings with flat roofs where tilted frames are necessary to install primary equipment, such equipment shall not be visible from an abutting street or property. If necessary, the equipment shall be screened with appropriate material as recommended by the Design Review Board.
(2)
Primary equipment mounted to an approved accessory structure shall be considered part of that structure and is subject to the requirements for accessory structures as well as approval by the Design Review Board.
(3)
All secondary equipment associated with any solar energy system installation shall not be exposed on the outside of any structure unless required by applicable codes and standards.
(4)
No trees shall be removed to accommodate installation of any solar collection equipment.
F.
Submission requirements. Prior to the installation of any solar equipment on a property, building or structure, the applicant shall submit a site plan and a building permit application accompanied by four sets of sealed plans which shall include, but are not limited to, location, layout plans, elevations, sections, details, manufacturer's specifications, material types, colors, finishes, arrangement, size, design, general site compatibility, structural support methods and zoning information. The applicant shall submit actual material samples.
(1)
Applications shall be accompanied by a signed, sealed certification from a New-York-State-licensed professional engineer or licensed architect stating that the roof structure is strong enough to support the additional weight of the solar units, that the mounting brackets and hardware meet or exceed New York State Building Code requirements and that the actual in-field attachment to the roof meets or exceeds New York State Residential Code requirements.
(2)
The applicant shall provide adequate notice of the application to all surrounding property owners in the same manner as provided for under the Design Review Board rules.
G.
Installation. All solar collector installations must be performed by a qualified solar installer. Prior to operation, the electrical connections must be inspected by the New York Board of Fire Underwriters or other appropriate electrical inspection agency as determined by the Village. Any connection to the public utility grid must be inspected by the appropriate public utility. An electrical certificate shall be provided to the Village prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.