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(C) Design and Performance Standards. In addition to the standards required above, the following <br />standards shall apply to all solar energy systems. <br />(1) Compatibility with nearby properties. The visual impact of rooftop equipment on nearby <br />properties shall be minimized through such means as location on the roof, flush-mounting to the roof, <br />screening, or other integration into the roof design. Screening shall be of durable permanent materials <br />that are compatible with the primary building materials. Screening shall be done to the extent <br />possible without reducing the systems efficiency. <br />(2) Feeder lines. Any lines accompanying a solar energy systems, other than those attached to <br />on-site structures by leads, shall be buried within the interior of the subject parcel, unless there are <br />existing lines in the area which the lines accompanying a solar energy system can be attached. The <br />Zoning Administrator may grant exemptions to this requirement in instances where shallow bedrock, <br />water courses, or other elements of the natural landscape interfere with the ability to bury lines. <br />(3) Maintenance. Solar energy systems shall be kept in good repair and free from damaged <br />supports, mounts, framework, or other components. <br />(4) Abandonment. A solar energy system that is allowed to remain in a nonfunctional or <br />inoperative state for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months, and which is not brought in <br />operation within the time specified by the City shall be presumed abandoned and may be declared a <br />public nuisance subject to removal at the expense of the operator. <br />(5) Compliance. All solar energy systems shall be designed, constructed, and operated in <br />compliance with any applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, standards, and ordinances, as <br />well as adhere to the requirements of local utilities if connected to utility lines, including, but not <br />limited to the State of Minnesota Building Code, Minnesota State Electric Code, and Minnesota State <br />Plumbing Code. <br />(6) Interference. Solar energy systems shall be designed to not cause electrical, radio frequency, <br />television, and other communication signal interference. <br />(7) Installation. Solar energy systems shall require the issuance of a building permit. <br />.(8) The structure upon which the solar energy system is mounted shall have the structural <br />integrity to carry the weight of the solar energy system. Proof of structural integrity shall be submitted <br />to the satisfaction of the building inspector <br /> (D) Administrative Review Process <br />(1) In general. Applications that meet the design requirements of this policy shall be granted <br />administrative approval by the Zoning Administrator or other Authorized Agent. Plan approval does <br />not indicate compliance with Building Code or Electric Code. All systems shall comply with the <br />Minnesota State Building and Electric Code. <br />(2) Submittal requirements. An application for a solar energy system shall be filed on a form <br />provided by the City. In addition, the applicant shall submit the following: <br />104