West Caldwell City Zoning Code
§ 20-21.20
Solar Energy Generation.
[Added 7-15-2025 by Ord. No. 1896-2025]
a.
Purpose. The purpose of this subsection is to provide for the use of solar energy, including specifications related to the land development, installation and construction of solar energy systems in the Township of West Caldwell, subject to reasonable conditions to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. It is the intent of this subsection to encourage solar facilities that reduce reliance on fossil fuels, increase local economic development and job creation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and assist New Jersey in meeting its clean energy goals.
b. SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
Definitions.
An alternative energy facility that consists of one or more ground-mounted, free-standing, or building-integrated solar collection devices, solar energy related equipment and other associated infrastructure with the primary intention of generating electricity or otherwise converting solar energy to a different form of energy for primarily off-site use.
Consists of one or more photovoltaic, concentrated solar thermal, or solar hot water devices either free-standing ground, building integrated or roof mounted, as well as related equipment which is intended for the purpose of reducing or meeting the energy needs of the property's principal use.
c.
General Regulations.
1.
Solar Energy Systems shall be considered a permitted accessory use in all zoning districts of the Township of West Caldwell.
(a)
Ground-Mounted Systems. Solar panels shall be permitted as ground arrays in accordance with the following:
(1)
Setbacks for ground-mounted solar energy systems shall meet all applicable accessory-use height and accessory setback requirements of the zoning district in which it is located.
(2)
All ground arrays shall meet the setback requirements for accessory structures of the zone district in which the property is located.
(3)
Ground arrays shall not be permitted in a front yard.
(4)
Ground arrays shall be located so that any glare is directed away from an adjoining property to the extent feasible.
(5)
Ground arrays shall not exceed a height of 12 feet.
(6)
If natural screening does not exist, evergreen screening shall be planted to provide a visual buffer as necessary from the street view or adjacent properties, with appropriate plant species to the extent feasible. The buffer shall be planted in such a manner that it does not impair the functionality of the system.
(7)
All electrical wires servicing a ground-mounted solar system, other than the wires necessary to interconnect the solar panels and the grounding wires, shall be located underground.
(8)
For parking canopies, a solar energy system may exceed the applicable maximum accessory structure height if it will cover an impervious surface parking area. Height may not exceed the height of the primary structure that the parking area serves. Minimum height of the parking canopy must allow clearance for emergency service and service vehicles.
(b)
Roof-Mounted Systems.
(1)
Height – Sloped Roof. For a roof-mounted system installed on a sloped roof, the highest point of the system shall not exceed the highest point of the roof to which it is attached as allowed by the bulk requirements.
(2)
Height – Flat Roof. For a roof-mounted system installed on a flat roof, the highest point of the system shall be permitted to exceed the district's height limit by up to five feet above the rooftop to which it is attached.
2.
The design of the solar energy system shall conform to applicable local, state and national codes and standards. A building permit reviewed by department staff shall be obtained for a solar energy system.