Silverdale City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XIV
Solar Energy Systems
[Added 6-4-2012 by Ord. No. 298]
§ 340-133 Title.
The title and text of this article shall be known as the "Solar Energy Systems Ordinance for Silverdale Borough."
§ 340-134 Purpose.
The purpose of this article is to promote the use of solar energy and to provide for the land development, installation, and construction of solar energy systems in Silverdale Borough, subject to reasonable conditions that will protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
§ 340-135 Permits required; allowable locations; affected uses.
A.
Solar energy systems shall be allowed in any zoning district and may be installed upon receipt of the necessary construction, electrical, and/or mechanical permit(s).
B.
This article applies to solar energy systems to be installed and constructed for residential and commercial institutional uses.
C.
Solar energy systems that are the primary use of a lot are governed by other sections of this Zoning Ordinance or the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 290, Subdivision and Land Development.
§ 340-136 Definitions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
Any solar collector or other solar energy device, or any structural design feature mounted on a building or on the ground, whose primary purpose is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for space heating or cooling, for water heating or for electricity.
§ 340-137 Applicability.
A.
This article applies to solar energy systems to be installed and constructed after the effective date of this article and to all applications for solar energy systems on existing structures or property.
B.
Solar energy systems constructed prior to the effective date of this article shall not be required to meet the requirements of this article.
C.
Any upgrade, modification, or structural change that materially alters the size or placement of an existing solar energy system shall comply with the provisions of this article.
§ 340-138 Design and installation.
A.
To the extent applicable, the solar energy system shall comply with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, Act 45 of 1999,[1] as amended; regulations adopted by the Department of Labor and Industry; and Chapter 340, Zoning, Article VI, Performance Standards, § 340-54, of the Silverdale Borough Zoning Ordinance.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 7210.101 et seq. and Ch. 140, Construction Codes, Uniform.
B.
Rooftop applications must be accompanied by a structural analysis by a licensed structural engineer to certify structural integrity for such installation.
C.
The design of the solar energy system shall conform to applicable industry standards.
§ 340-139 Setbacks and height requirements; waivers.
A.
A solar energy system may be installed as long as it meets the requirements of this article and all other applicable construction codes.
B.
Ground-mounted solar energy systems.
(1)
A solar energy system must comply with all setback and height requirements for the zoning district where the solar energy system is to be installed.
(2)
All exterior electrical and/or plumbing lines must be buried below the surface of the ground and be placed in a conduit.
(3)
A ground-mounted solar energy system must comply with the accessory structure restrictions contained in the zoning district where the ground-mounted solar energy system is located.
C.
A roof-mounted solar energy system shall conform to the height regulations of the zoning district where the solar energy system is installed.
D.
Waivers.
(1)
Upon request, the Borough Council may grant waivers of the setback or height requirements, provided that the waiver will not present any undue hardship on adjoining properties.
(2)
The Borough Council shall take into consideration the support or opposition of adjacent property owners in granting waivers of setback and height requirements.