08-198 Solar Energy - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

CITY OF LAKE ELMO COUNTY OF WASHINGTON STATE OF MINNESOTA ORDINANCE NO. 08-198 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LAKE ELMO CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADDING ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS AND SOLAR FARMS SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title XV: Land Usage; Chapter 154: Zoning Code; Article II; Section 154.012; Subd. (B) (12) by removing the current definition of Solar Equipment and adding the following to a new Subd. (B) (10): Alternative Energy: Solar Farm. A commercial facility that converts sunlight into electricity, whether by photovoltaic (PV), concentrating solar thennal devices (CST), or other conversion technology, for the principal purpose of sales of generated electricity to off-site customers. Solar Energy System. A device or structural design feature, a primary purpose of which is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for space heating, cooling, water heating, or for power generation. SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title XV: Land Usage; Chapter 154: Zoning Code; Article II; Section 154.310 (B) (12) by moving the current standards of Solary Energy Systems to a new Section entitled Alternative Energy and to read as follows. Solar Energy Systems. Solar energy systems are pennitted accessory uses in all districts, provided the system or equipment is in compliance with standards set forth below. l. Permits. A building permit shall be obtained before the installation of solar arrays or panels on any property. All solar energy systems shall be installed and components labeled in accordance with the Minnesota State Electric Code Section 690. 2. Signage. Properties 1Nith solar energy systems shall have at least one (1) sign posted at the entrance of the property or structure on which the solar energy system is mounted, containing the following information: voltage infonnation, manufacturer's name, emergency telephone number, and emergency shutdovm procedures. 3. Rooftop or Building Integrated Solar Energy Systems. a. These systems are permitted accessory uses in all districts in which buildings are permitted. b. Visibility, Commercial Installations. Commercial rooftop systems shall be placed on the roof to limit visibility from the public right-of-way or to blend into the roof design, provided that minimizing visibility still allows the property owner to reasonably capture solar energy. 4. Ground-Mount Solar Energy Systems. a. Ground-mount energy systems are pennitted accessory uses in all districts where buildings are permitted. 1