Solar Energy

The city's zoning ordinance addresses solar energy systems. The ordinance defines a small solar energy system as an on-site solar energy system that is incidental and subordinate to a principal use and/or structure serving the needs of all Residential, Suburban Estate, General Agricultural, C-2 (conservation), Neighborhood Business, University and College and Office zoning districts. They are permitted uses in all of those zoning districts if they meet conditions regarding: number of units allowed on a property, rear yard setback requirements, size and height requirements, location and mounting requirements, security and operating requirements.type of surface and color, placement of electric circuits, and compliance with state and federal regulations (Sec. 8.19A). A large solar energy system is defined as an on-site multiple unit solar energy system that is incidental and subordinate to a principal use and/or structure serving the needs of B-2, B-3, B-4 ORT, I-1, and I-2 zoning districts. They are permitted uses in all of those zoning districts if they meet conditions regarding: rear yard setback requirements, size and height requirements, location and mounting requirements, security and operating requirements.type of surface and color, placement of electric circuits, and compliance with state and federal regulations (Sec. 8.19B).