The purpose of this Section is to establish predictable and balanced regulations for the establishment of solar energy systems in the locations and circumstances under which the use may be established without detriment to the public health safety and welfare of neighboring property owners or occupants.

(Ord. No. 2024-22, § 12, 9/24/2024; Ord. No. 2025-02, § 22, 3/25/2025)

The solar energy system requirements of this Chapter shall apply within all zoning districts, except as otherwise provided herein.

(Ord. No. 2024-22, § 12, 9/24/2024; Ord. No. 2025-02, § 22, 3/25/2025)

The following requirements shall apply to all solar energy systems:

Subd. 1.

Height and Arrangement.

(a)

Roof-mounted solar energy systems on sloped roofs: 1) shall have the same finished pitch as the roof; 2) shall not extend more than two feet above the roof section to which it is attached; 3) shall not extend beyond the boundaries of the roof; and 4) shall not extend above the peak of the roof section to which it is attached.

(b)

Roof-mounted solar energy systems on all flat roofs: 1) shall not extend more than ten feet above the roof section to which it is attached; and 2) shall not extend beyond the boundaries of the roof.

(c)

Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed 15 feet in height when oriented at maximum tilt.

Subd. 2.

Performance Standards.

(a)

Solar energy systems may generate energy exceeding the energy requirements of the property, if in compliance with utility requirements.

(b)

Solar energy systems shall be constructed and operated in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal construction and electrical codes.

(c)

Solar energy systems shall be maintained in accordance with the property maintenance code, Section 405 of the City Code.

(d)

Except for required safety signage, no other signage, writing, pictures, flags, streamers, or decorative items shall be attached to a solar energy system or related support or equipment.

(e)

Obsolete solar energy systems and any related support or equipment shall be removed within 12 months of cessation of operating, unless an exemption is granted by the Zoning Administrator.

(Ord. No. 2024-22, § 12, 9/24/2024; Ord. No. 2025-02, § 22, 3/25/2025)

In addition to the general requirements specified in Subsection 21174.03 of this Section, ground-mounted solar energy systems shall comply with the following requirements:

Subd. 1.

Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall comply with minimum setbacks and other regulations established for accessory buildings and structures, as identified in Section 21115.04, Section 21120, and each zoning district of this Chapter.

Subd. 2.

Where applicable, ground-mounted solar energy systems may be excluded from lot coverage or impervious surface requirements if approved by the Zoning Administrator. Pollinator- and habitat-friendly vegetation under and around solar energy systems is encouraged. (Refer to the Board of Water and Soil Resources Pollinator and Biodiversity Toolbox for information).

Subd. 3.

Racking and support frames shall be an engineered product designed to mount PV (Photovoltaic) modules. These shall hold applicable UL (Underwriters Laboratories), ANSI (American National Standards Institute), or equivalent third-party certifications.

(Ord. No. 2024-22, § 12, 9/24/2024; Ord. No. 2025-02, § 22, 3/25/2025)

An applicant for a solar energy system shall provide the following:

Subd. 1.

Information that demonstrates conformance to the requirements of this Section, as applicable.

Subd. 2.

Application materials required for a building permit.

Subd. 3.

Specification sheets and installation manuals for all manufactured components including, but not limited to, PV modules, inverter(s), combiner box, disconnects, and mounting system.

Subd 4.

To-scale horizontal and vertical (elevation) drawings. The drawings must indicate the proposed location of the solar energy system: a) on the building for rooftop installations; and b) on the property, including dimensions from lot lines, for ground-mounted installations.

(Ord. No. 2024-22, § 12, 9/24/2024; Ord. No. 2025-02, § 22, 3/25/2025)