Solar Energy

Defines "solar collector," "solar energy system," "large-scale solar energy system," "utility-scale solar energy system," "building-integrated solar/photovoltaic (BIPV) system," "building-mounted solar energy system," "ground-mounted solar energy system," "rooftop solar energy system," "solar reflector," "solar skyspace," and "solar skyspace easement" (§215-4). All solar energy-systems with a footprint between 20,000 and 100,000 sq. ft. are "large-scale solar energy systems." All systems larger than 100,000 sq. ft. are "utility-scale solar energy systems."

Permits accessory solar energy systems (occupying less than 20,000 sq. ft.) by right in all zoning districts, subject to standards addressing the following (§215-135):

• compliance with setbacks and lot coverage limits
• limited height exemption for rooftop systems in low-density residential districts
• prohibits freestanding systems in low-density residential districts

Permits large-scale rooftop solar energy systems (accessory or primary use) by right, freestanding (and nonrooftop building-mounted) systems with site plan review, and utility-scale systems with a special use permit in most mixed-use and nonresidential districts (§215-179), subject to standards addressing the following (§§215-181 and 215-182):

• building code compliance
• environmental impacts
• glare
• aesthetics of mounting equipment
• transmission lines
• lighting
• lot requirements
• bulk and siting requirements
• setbacks
• landscaping
• decomissioning

Authorizes the use of solar easements (Section 215-180(9)).

Exempts building-integrated systems from zoning standards (Section 215-178.B).