General requirements
A. Location. Major solar energy systems are prohibited in Jamestown, as indicated in Table 6-1. Accessory solar energy systems are permitted as an accessory use in all zoning districts, as indicated in Table 6-1.
B. Exemptions. Building-mounted or building-integrated accessory solar energy systems for residential or commercial uses shall be allowed by right in all zones. Nothing herein shall preclude the Town of Jamestown from proposing to install ground-mounted or other solar energy systems on any town-owned or -controlled property regardless of the zoning district (though still subject to the review requirements of this section). Size restrictions as noted in section 82-1204.4 C. do not pertain to town-owned or -controlled property.
C. Compliance with laws, ordinances, and regulations. The construction and operation of all solar energy systems shall be consistent with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, regulations, and requirements, including, but not limited to, all applicable safety, construction, electrical, and communications requirements. All buildings/structures and fixtures forming part of a solar energy system shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with the Rhode Island Building Code and Electrical Code.
D. Building permit and building inspection. No solar energy system shall be constructed, installed or modified without first obtaining a building permit and shall be subject to periodic inspections as deemed necessary by the building official.
E. Fees and surety. All applicable fees, including, but not limited to, a building permit fee, planning and zoning board review fees, as provided for herein or in the Code of Ordinances for the Town of Jamestown, shall be paid prior to the issuance of any building permits.
F. Plans and surveys. All plans related to design, construction, installation or modification of a solar energy system installation shall be prepared, signed, and stamped by either a professional engineer, surveyor (for property line information) or landscape architect (for landscape information) licensed to practice in the State of Rhode Island.
G. Maintenance. The solar energy system shall be maintained by the solar energy system owner and/or operator and shall be cleared of debris, weeds, trash, etc. Maintenance shall include, but not be limited to, painting, structural repairs, and integrity of security measures. The equipment shall remain in good repair and working order. Malfunctioning or inoperable equipment shall be removed from the property and disposed of in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
H. Conservation lands. Solar energy systems and any associated equipment shall not be allowed on land held under conservation easement or land for which the development rights have been sold, transferred, or otherwise removed from the parcel, unless the conditions of the easement, deed, or other applicable legal document specifically allows the installation of a solar energy system, or shall receive approval for the disturbance or use of such lands by the holder(s) of the easement or restriction.
(Ord. of 2-3-2025(1), § 1(Exh. A))