4-4-105 SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS:

A. PURPOSE:

The purpose of this Section is to provide standards for certain solar energy systems to reduce impacts related to visibility while promoting the use of alternative energy sources for users.

B. APPLICABILITY:

The Section shall apply to:

1. New or Replacement Equipment/Activity: All proposals for new or replacement solar energy systems.

2. Enlargement or Exterior Modifications of Existing Structures: Solar energy systems that are not in conformance with this Section shall be required to conform to the requirements of this Section if enlarged or altered when the cost of the alterations exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the value of the existing solar energy system.

C. AUTHORITY:

The Administrator shall determine compliance with these standards concurrently with any development permit review, or in association with any code compliance issue.

D. SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, GROUND MOUNTED EQUIPMENT, SMALL-SCALE:

1. Height: No portion of the structure shall exceed the maximum allowed wall-plate height for detached accessory buildings in the subject zone as established in RMC 4-2-110B, Development Standards for Residential Development (Detached Accessory Buildings).

2. Setbacks: The structure shall be subject to setback requirements for detached accessory buildings in the subject zone as established in RMC 4-2-110B, Development Standards for Residential Development (Detached Accessory Buildings).

3. Location: The structure shall not be sited closer than six feet (6') from a residential structure and shall not be located between the primary structure and a street.

4. Impervious Surface/Building Coverage: Structures with grass or an alternative pervious surface under the associated panels are excluded from maximum building coverage or maximum impervious surface area requirements established in RMC 4-2-110A, Development Standards for Residential Zoning Designations (Primary Structures). If pavement or other impervious surfaces are utilized around the base of the structure or under the solar panels, the structure would be not be eligible for the exemption.

E. VARIANCES:

A variance to standards may be sought pursuant to RMC 4-9-250. (Ord. 5999, 12-14-2020)