Roof-mounted solar installations.
§ 255-2130. Roof-mounted solar installations.
Roof-mounted solar installations are permitted in all zones subject to the following requirements:
A. The solar installation shall not exceed the dimensions of the plane of the roof to which it is mounted.
B. The height of roof-mounted solar installations shall be limited in the same manner as chimneys, antennae or other roof-top mechanical equipment and appurtenances.
C. The layout of roof-mounted solar installations shall allow for all proper clearances from other rooftop penetrations, equipment and structures and shall allow for safe access to the roof to inspect and maintain the roof, the solar installation components and other roof-mounted structures or equipment. In order to maintain this accessibility, solar installations mounted on top of an existing roof (i.e., solar panels) shall not be located within three feet of any peak, eave or valley of the roof. Solar installations that also serve as primary roofing materials (i.e., solar shingles) shall conform to the manufacturer's installation instructions.
D. Solar installations mounted on pitched roofs shall be mounted flush to the roof.
E. Solar installations mounted on flat roofs may be angled to a maximum of 30° from the plane of the roof. Where an angled installation is visible to surrounding properties such that it significantly detracts from the aesthetic values of the structure to which it is mounted, the Planning Department may require the addition of reasonable architectural screening elements to reduce the visibility of the solar installation from neighboring properties and roads.
F. The maximum size/area of roof-mounted solar installations must be approved by the Building Official based on the dimensional and structural limitations of the roof to which it is attached.
G. The Building Official may require a structural analysis of the roof prepared by a registered professional engineer to establish that the roof is able to support the additional weight of the solar installation and that the mounting system/structure will adequately anchor the solar installation to the roof.