18.30.030 Design standards.
The installation and construction of a solar energy system shall be subject to the following development and design standards:
A. A solar energy system must be roof mounted. Ground-mounted systems are not permitted.
B. A system may be mounted on a principal building or accessory building. A system, whether mounted on the principal building or accessory building, may not exceed the maximum principal building height or accessory building height specified for the building type in the underlying zoning district. In no instance shall any part of the solar energy system extend beyond the edge of the roof, nor shall the top of the solar panel exceed 12 inches above adjacent finish roof surface.
C. A system should always consist of an array of panels that matches the shape (square, rectangle, or following the lines of the roof) and proportion of the roof, and should be placed on the rear-facing roof if it will not significantly reduce the effectiveness of the system.
D. A system attached to an accessory building shall not be located within the required front yard setback.
E. The minimum solar energy system setback distance from the property lines shall be equivalent to the building setback or accessory building setback requirement of the underlying zoning district.
F. All mechanical equipment associated with and necessary for the operation of the solar energy system shall comply with the following:
1. Mechanical equipment shall be screened from any adjacent property that is residentially zoned or used for residential purposes. The screen shall consist of shrubbery, trees, or other noninvasive plant species, which provides a visual screen. In lieu of a planting screen, a decorative fence may be used.
2. Mechanical equipment shall not be located within the minimum front yard setback of the underlying zoning district.
3. Mechanical equipment shall comply with the setbacks specified for accessory structures in the underlying zoning district.
G. Solar panels shall be placed such that concentrated solar radiation or glare shall not be directed onto nearby properties or roadways.
H. A solar energy system shall not be used to display advertising, including signage, streamers, pennants, spinners, reflectors, ribbons, tinsel, balloons, flags, banners or similar materials. The manufacturer’s and equipment information, warning, or indication of ownership shall be allowed on any equipment of the solar energy system provided they comply with the prevailing sign regulations.
I. No mature trees may be removed in order to clear an area for the solar system installation, nor to further maximize the system’s access to sunlight. [Ord. 2015-1 § 3, 2015.]