2016.01.04 ORD 2016-475 Solar Energy

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Ordinance 2016-475 Solar Energy Solar Hot Water System means a system that heats or preheats water for building heating systems or other hot water needs, including residential domestic hot water and hot water for commercial processes. Solar Panel means a panel designed to absorb the sun's rays as a source of energy for generating electricity or heating. Solar Resource means a view of the sun from a specific point on a lot or building that is not obscured by any vegetation, building, or object for a minimum of four hours between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM Standard time on any day of the year. Chapter 90,Article IV—Zoning District Regulations Add from Sec. 90-93. —Long term agricultural district (LA) through Sec. 90-110—Future central business district (FCB) (d) Conditional uses/ Interim uses. and (d)(#) Solar energy systems (refer to section 90-278). Chapter 90,Article VI —Requirements for Specific Uses and Performance Standards Add Sec. 90—278.—Solar energy systems. (a) Unlawful unless conditions met. It is unlawful for any person to construct, erect, install, or maintain a solar energy system in the city, except in conformance with this section. (b) Purpose and intent. The purpose of this section is to allow for the generation of renewable energy within the City of Hugo. Promoting the safe, effective, and efficient use of solar energy, may reduce the onsite consumption of fossil fuels and utility-supplied electric energy while avoiding adverse impacts on the community at large. (c) General standards for all solar energy systems. Solar energy systems must conform to all of the following standards: (1) A building permit shall be required for the erection of solar energy system. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the operator must provide evidence of an agreement with the local utility. Off-grid systems shall be exempt from providing evidence of an agreement with the local utility. (2) It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to secure any solar energy easements, if applicable, to protect solar access for the system (as per MN Statute Section 500.30). (3) Solar energy system components shall be labeled with the manufacturers name and address, model number, and serial number. (4) All exterior electrical or other service lines shall be buried underground. The collection system may be placed overhead near substations or points of interconnection to the electrical grid. Exceptions may be granted in instances where shallow bedrock, water courses, or other elements of the natural landscape interfere with the ability to bury lines. (5) All solar energy systems shall be in compliance with the adopted City and State building code, electrical code, and plumbing code, as amended and receive any necessary permits or approvals from any regulatory agency having jurisdiction.