New Orleans Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance

Printed: 3/29/2024 1:24:16 AM

21.6.DD Solar Energy System: Accessory Use

21.6.DD.1 General Requirements   

The installation and construction of a solar energy system is subject to the following development and design standards:

a. A solar panel may be building-mounted or ground-mounted.

b. Solar panels shall be placed so that concentrated solar radiation or glare is not directed onto nearby properties or roadways.

c. On-site and collective power lines shall be placed underground to the maximum extent possible.

d. Only manufacturer and equipment information, warning signs, or ownership information is allowed to be displayed on site.

e. Abandonment or Decommissioning: Any ground-mounted solar energy system that is an accessory use of the property which has reached the end of its useful life or has not been producing energy for more than one (1) year shall be removed. The owner or operator shall physically remove the installation no more than 365 days after the date of discontinued operations. Decommission shall be in accordance with the requirements of Safety and Permits.

Adopted by Ord. No. 29744, 12-8-23, Zoning Docket 055/23

21.6.DD.2 Building-Mounted Systems   

a. A building mounted system may be mounted on the roof or wall of a principal building or accessory structure. (See Figure 21-8: Building-Mounted Solar Panels)

b.  On pitched roof buildings, the maximum height of a solar panel may rise is eighteen (18) inches. Pitched roof-mounted solar panels should be placed in a location least visible from the public street; however, this does not prohibit the installation of solar panels on a roof that may be visible when that exposure, particularly a southern exposure, is the most viable location. In those instances, solar panels shall be integrated into the structure as an architectural feature as described in Paragraph d below.

c.  On flat roofed buildings, the solar panel system is limited to a maximum height of six (6) feet above the surface of the roof.

d. Solar panels may project from a building facade as follows.

i.  May project up to two (2) feet from a facade.

ii. May encroach into a required side or rear yard, but no closer than five (5) feet to the side or rear property line.

FIGURE 21-8: BUILDING-MOUNTED SOLAR PANELS

Click for larger image

21.6.DD.3 Ground-Mounted Accessory Systems   

Size of Ground-Mounted Accessory Solar Systems Residential or Small-Commercial Small-Scale Utility (Up to 5 acres) Large-Scale Utility (greater than 5 acres)
Site Area Allotted Shall be used for the purpose of only providing the accessory electricity source for principal structure(s) on the property Shall be used for the purpose of providing electricity to the utility grid (see definition fro Solar Energy System) Shall be used for the purpose of providing electricity to the utility grid (see definition for Solar Energy System)

 

General Provisions:

A. Provisions for a Residential or Small-Commercial Ground-Mounted Accessory Use Solar Energy System are as follows:

i. Must be used solely for the purpose of providing accessory power for residential or small-commercial principal structure(s).

ii. Shall adhere to the following setback standards:

1. May only be located in the interior side and rear yard and shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from any lot line.

2. Power Inverter(s) or other sound producing equipment shall be located a minimum of ten (10) feet from any property boundary line or public right-of-way.

iii. Screening - Ground-mounted small-scale solar energy systems shall have fencing/screening submitted as part of the site plan and may utilize screening methods including plantings, strategic use of berms, and/or fencing deemed adequate by the solar developer for safety and protection of solar assets.

B. Provisions for Small-Scale of Large-Scale Utility Ground-Mounted Accessory Use Solar Energy System are as follows:

i. Shall only be located in the interior side and rear yard and adhere to the setback standards of the base zoning district.

1. Power inverter(s) or other sound producing equipment shall be located a minimum of fifty (50) feet from any property boundary line or public right-of-way.

ii. Permeability - The area covered by panels shall adhere to the regulations of the base zoning district.

iii. Landscaping - A landscape yard measuring at least twenty (20) feet in depth and compliant with Section 23.6.A shall be provided along the street facing side of the property and shall be maintained for the life of the facility's operations.

iv. Screening

1. Small-Scale and large-scale ground mounted accessory use solar energy systems shall have fencing/screening submitted as part of the site plan and may utilize screening methods including plantings, strategic use of berms, and/or fencing deemed adequate by the solar developer for safety and protection of solar assets.

2. Any fencing deemed necessary by solar developers should be constructed of wildlife permeable materials (designed with sections that allow small mammals easy safe passage through the facility, so they are not separated from food sources and habitat areas) with capability to lock if fencing, and not vegetative screening, is implemented.

3. Fencing for security and protection of inverters and connections to the utility grid should be submitted as part of the site plan to protect the assets from damage and vandalism and provide safety and security to the site.

 

Adopted by Ord. No. 29744, 12-8-23, Zoning Docket 055/23

21.6.DD.4 Co-Location   

Solar panels may be co-located on communication towers, parking lots, parking structures, and street light poles, in which case the height and setback requirements for said tower/pole apply.

Adopted by Ord. No. 29744, 12-8-23, Zoning Docket 055/23