Ordinance Number 531CITY OF SHOREWOOD
ORDINANCE NO. 531
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SHOREWOOD ZONING CODE AS IT PERTAINS
TO RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS - SOLAR
Section 1. City Code Section 1201.02 is hereby amended to include:
"RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM. A solar energy system, wind energy system, or ground
source heat pump."
"BUILDING -INTEGRATED SOLAR ENERGYSYSTEM. A solar energy system that is an
integral part of a principal or accessory building, rather than a separate mechanical device,
replacing or substituting for an architectural or structural component of the building including,
but not limited to, photovoltaic or hot water solar systems contained within roofing materials,
windows, skylights and awnings."
"FLUSH -MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGYSYSTEM. A roof -mounted system mounted directly
abutting the roof. The pitch of the solar collector may exceed the pitch of the roof up to 5% but
shall not be higher than 10 inches above the roof."
"PASSIVE SOLAR ENERGYSYSTEM. A system that captures solar light or heat without
transforming it to another form of energy or transferring the energy via a heat exchanger."
"PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM. A solar energy system that converts solar energy directly into
electricity."
"SOLAR ENERGYSYSTEM. A device or structural design feature, a substantial purpose of
which is to provide daylight for interior lighting or provide for the collection, storage and
distribution of solar energy for space heating or cooling, electricity generation or water heating."
Section 2. City Code Section 1201.03 is hereby amended to include:
"Subd. 23. Renewable Energy.
a. Purpose. It is the intent of the City Council, consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan, to provide a sustainable quality of life for the city's
residents, making careful and effective use of available natural, human and
economic resources and ensuring that resources exist to maintain and
enhance the quality of life for future residents. In accordance with that
intent, the City finds that it is in the public interest to encourage renewable
energy systems that have a positive impact on energy production and
conservation while not having an adverse impact on the community.
Therefore, the purposes of this ordinance include:
(1) To promote rather than restrict development of renewable energy
sources by removing regulatory barriers and creating a clear
regulatory path for approving renewable energy systems.
(2) To create a livable community where development incorporates
sustainable design elements such as resource and energy
conservation and use of renewable energy.
(3) To protect and enhance air quality, limit the effects of climate
change and decrease use of fossil fuels.
(4) To encourage renewable energy development in locations where
the technology is viable and environmental, economic and social
impacts can be mitigated.
b. Solar Energy Systems.
(1) Zoning districts. Solar energy systems in accordance with the
standards in this section are allowed as a permitted accessory use in
all zoning districts.
(2) Standards.
(a) Height. Roof -mounted solar energy systems shall comply
with the maximum height requirements in the applicable
zoning district. Ground -mounted solar energy systems
shall not exceed 20 feet in height.
(b) Location. In residential zoning districts, ground -mounted
solar energy systems are limited to the rear yard. In non-
residential zoning districts, ground -mounted solar energy
systems may be permitted in the front yard of any lot or the
side yards on corner lots, subject to applicable building
setback requirements.
(c) Setbacks. Ground -mounted solar energy systems
including any appurtenant equipment shall be set back a
minimum of 20 feet from all property lines. Roof -mounted
systems shall comply with all building setbacks in the
applicable zoning district and shall not extend beyond the
exterior perimeter of the building on which the system is
mounted.
(d) Roof mounting. Roof -mounted solar collectors shall be
flush mounted on pitched roofs. Solar collectors may be
bracket mounted on flat roofs.
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(e) Easements. Solar energy systems shall not encroach on
public drainage, utility, roadway or trail easements.
(f) Screening. Ground -mounted solar energy systems shall be
screened from view to the extent possible without reducing
their efficiency. Screening may include walls, fences or
landscaping.
(g) Maximum Area. In residential zoning districts, ground -
mounted solar energy systems shall be limited to a
maximum area of 120 square feet footprint. In other
zoning districts, ground -mounted solar energy systems shall
be limited to a maximum area consistent with the accessory
structure limitations or no more than 25 percent of the rear
yard, whichever is less.
(h) Aesthetics. Reflection angles from ground -mounted
collector surfaces shall be oriented away from neighboring
windows. Where necessary, screening may be required to
address glare.
(i) Feeder lines. The electrical collection system shall be
placed underground within the interior of each parcel.
(3) Safety.
(a) Standards — Electrical.
(i) All utilities shall be installed underground.
(ii) An exterior utility disconnect switch shall be
installed at the electric meter serving the property.
(iii) Solar energy systems shall be grounded to protect
against natural lightning strikes in conformance
with the national electrical code as adopted by the
City.
(iv) No solar energy system shall be interconnected with
a local electrical utility company until the utility
company has reviewed and commented upon it.
The interconnection of the solar energy system with
the utility company shall adhere to the national
electrical code as adopted by the City.
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(b) Certification. The solar energy system shall be certified by
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., and comply to the
requirements of the international building code.
(c) Abandonment. Any solar energy system which is
inoperable for twelve (12) successive months shall be
deemed to be abandoned and shall be deemed a public
nuisance. The owner shall remove the abandoned system at
their expense after obtaining a demolition permit.
(4) Permits. Building -integrated solar energy systems shall require a
building permit prior to installation. Ground -mounted solar energy
systems shall require a zoning permit, pursuant to Section 1201.07
of this Code prior to installation.
C. Wind Energy Systems. (Reserved for Future Use)
d. Ground Source Heat Pump Systems. (Reserved for Future Use)"
Section 3. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon publishing in the Official
Newspaper of the City of Shorewood.
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SHOREWOOD this 1 lth day of
July 2016.
ATTEST:
Je n Panchyshyn, City herU
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Scot rby, M o