Solar Energy

The village's zoning code includes an article on small wind and solar energy systems (Art. XI). The code provides definitions for several types of solar energy systems (Sec. 106-502). It provides general requirements for solar energy systems, requiring them to be incidental to a permitted use and comply with standards.

Attached wall- or roof-mounted solar energy systems are permitted in all districts with a building permit, as are freestanding systems located in rear or side yards. In nonresidential districts, freestanding systems located in front yards and attached systems mounted on front building walls require special use permit approval (Sec. 106-507).

Standards for freestanding systems address location, setbacks, height, and size limitations (Sec. 106-508); standards for residential and nonresidential attached systems address location, projection, encroachment, easements, height, and mounting (Sec. 106-509, Sec. 106-510). Design and technical standards address appearance, electrical wires, access, signage, interconnection, screening, maintenance, and abandonment (Sec. 106-511). The code also describes the application and approval processes for solar energy systems (Sec. 106-512).