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.

 

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