The purpose of this Chapter is to provide a regulatory framework for the construction and installation of solar energy systems in Wayzata, subject to reasonable restrictions, for preserving the public health, safety, and welfare, and for maintaining the character of Wayzata.

(Ord. No. 822 [4-6-2023])

Unless exempt under Section 938.05, the standards of this Chapter shall apply to all Solar Energy Systems in the City.

A.

Lake Street Design District (as defined in Chapter 909). Solar Energy Systems are prohibited within the Lake Street Design District.

B.

Areas Outside of Lake Street Design District. Solar Energy Systems are permitted in all areas of the City outside of the Lake Street Design District provided they comply with the provisions of this Chapter.

C.

Bluff Street Design District (as defined in Chapter 909). Solar Energy Systems are permitted within the Bluff District only if (i) a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is obtained for such use under the process and criteria of Chapter 904, or (ii) the Solar Energy System is a Roof-Mount system for a single-family or two-family residence.

D.

Solar Carports. Solar Carports are prohibited in all areas of the City unless (i) a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is obtained for such use under the process and criteria of Chapter 904, or (ii) the Solar Carport is a permitted accessory use for a single-family or two-family residence.

E.

Ground-Mounted. Ground-Mounted systems are prohibited in all areas of the City unless (i) a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is obtained for such use under the process and criteria of Chapter 904, or (ii) the Ground-Mounted system is a permitted accessory use for a single-family or two-family residence.

F.

Community Solar Gardens. Community Solar Gardens are prohibited in all areas of the City.

(Ord. No. 822 [4-6-2023])

A.

Height. The maximum height of a Solar Energy System shall be calculated using the highest point for which the solar panels are oriented.

1.

Pitched Roofs. Solare Energy Systems mounted on pitched roofs that are visible from the nearest edge of the right-of-way, other than an alley, shall not have a highest finished pitch steeper than the roof pitch on which the system is mounted and shall be no higher than one foot above the roof.

2.

Flat Roofs. Solar panels attached to a flat roof shall not exceed the maximum permitted zoning district height or variance approved height of the structure type by more than two feet from the rooftop.

3.

Ground-Mounted. Ground-Mounted systems shall not exceed ten feet in any zoning district.

4.

Solar Carport. Solar Carport systems shall not exceed 16 feet in any zoning district.

B.

Setbacks.

1.

Ground-Mounted and Solar Carport. Ground-Mounted and Solar Carport systems must meet the applicable zoning district accessory structure setback requirements. Ground-Mounted solar systems may only be placed in the rear yard.

C.

Impervious Surface/Lot Coverage.

1.

All ground-mounted and Solar Carport energy systems will not be calculated towards the impervious surface if there is a pervious surface underneath the structure.

2.

The ground-mounted and Solar Carport energy system shall be calculated towards the total lot coverage calculations.

3.

The ground-mounted and Solar Carport systems shall not exceed the maximum impervious surface and lot coverage calculations in the applicable zoning district. The impervious surface and lot coverage shall be calculated at the minimum design tilt.

D.

Design. The design of all Solar Energy Systems shall, to the extent reasonably possible, use materials, colors, textures, and favorable placement that will blend the facility into the natural setting and built environment.

E.

Reflectors. All Solar Energy Systems using a reflector to enhance solar production shall minimize glare from the reflector affecting adjacent or nearby properties. Measures to minimize glare include selective placement of the system, screening on the north side of the solar array, modifying the orientation of the system, reducing use of the reflector system, or other remedies that limit glare.

(Ord. No. 822 [4-6-2023])

A.

Coverage. Roof-Mounted systems shall allow for roof access for fire-fighting purposes to the south-facing or flat roof upon which the panels are mounted, as stated in the Building Code.

B.

Utility connection. All grid integrated solar systems shall have an agreement with the local utility prior to the issuance of a building permit. A visible external disconnect must be provided if required by the utility. Off grid systems are exempt from this requirement.

C.

Abandonment. If a solar energy system remains nonfunctional or inoperative for more than a continuous period of one year, the system shall be deemed to be abandoned and shall constitute a public nuisance as stated in Chapter 720. The owner shall remove the abandoned system at their expense. Removal shall include all components of the solar system, including related transmission equipment, upon notice from the City.

D.

Permit. No construction or installation of a Solar Energy System is allowed without first obtaining a permit in accordance with the Building Code.

(Ord. No. 822 [4-6-2023])

The following types of Solar Energy Systems are exempt from the Applicability, General Regulations and Performance Standards of this Chapter:

A.

Passive Solar Energy System and Building-integrated Solar Energy Systems, which shall be regulated as any other building element.

B.

Solar Collectors less than one square foot in area and generally used for garden decoration, exterior accent lighting for residential homes, lawns, and flagpoles.

C.

Solar Energy Systems installed by a government agency or utility company on light poles, signs, transit shelters or within public right-of-way that are under four square feet in size.

(Ord. No. 822 [4-6-2023])