AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION
SYSTEMS FOR THE VILLAGE OF MONTPELIER PLANNING AND ZONING CODE
WHEREAS, The Village of Montpelier desires to establish an ordinance for regulating
solar energy conversion system-swithin the jurisdiction of the Village of Montpelier and add it
to the Planning and Zoning Code.
NOW BE IT ORDAINED and established by the Council of the Village of Montpelier, Ohio
as follows:
a)
Definitions.
For purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply
unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
(1)
Solar Energy Conversion System: a system consisting of photovoltaic cells
And related accessories that is designed to convert solar energy into
electrical energy, or a system consisting solar thermal collectors,
parabolic reflectors, or similar structures that are designed to harness
solar energy for use as thermal energy for heating water, air, or other
residential or commercial use.
b)
Solar EnerJ!V Conversion System Requirements.
Solar energy Conversion
Systems shall be permitted in all zoning districts subject to the following provisions:
(1)
Zoning Certificate Required. A Zoning Certificate shall be required prior
to the installation of any Solar Energy Conversion System.
(2)
Ground-Mounted Systems.
In residential districts, ground-mounted
systems shall be located in the rear yard of the property, and shall not be
located nearer to any lot lines than what is permitted for accessory uses
in that district. In residential districts, ground-mounted systems shall be
screened with landscaping. All ground-mounted systems shall comply
with the yard and height restrictions for accessory buildings in the zoning
district in which the systems are located.
(3)
Roof-Mounted Systems. In residential districts, roof-mounted systems
shall be located so that the solar panels do not extend beyond the edge
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of the roof so that the system is not visible from any street or sidewalk at
the front of the property.
(4)
Limitation. Solar Energy Conversion Systems shall only generate energy
for the main building and any accessory buildings located on the
property. Solar Energy Conversion Systems shall not generate energy for
transmission to other properties.
(5)
Glare. Solar Energy Conversion Systems shall be located so that the glare
from the solar panels is not directed at any other person's building, or at
any public street, public right-of-way, or sidewalk.
(6)
Solar Access. When locating a Solar Energy Conversion System, it is the
system owner's
responsibility
to consider current
and future
development, growth of trees and vegetation, and other obstructions,
growth of trees and vegetation, and other obstructions that might
interfere with solar access. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the
owner of the Solar Energy Conversion System from obtaining a solar
access easement from any person.
This Section shall be reviewed annually by the Planning Commission to
determine if any amendments should be recommended to the Council of the
Village of Montpelier.
Section 2:
law.