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Tiverton
Town of Tiverton Zoning Ordinance
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§ XXIV-1

General

  • a. The purpose of this section is to regulate the installation of solar energy systems (SES) by providing standards for the placement, design, screening, operation, monitoring, modification, and decommissioning of such systems within the town. These standards are intended to ensure that solar energy systems are compatible with the Tiverton Community Comprehensive Plan, protect the public safety, and minimize impacts on scenic, natural, environmental, historical and agricultural resources. It is the underlying intent that all solar energy facilities are strongly encouraged to be located on rooftops, contaminated sites, gravel banks, quarries, and parking lots and in existing industrial zones.

  • b. Any SES that is proposed to be located on town-owned property for use by the town in its governmental function, except on a parcel designated as open space, shall not be subject to the requirements of this article but shall require an affirmative advisory recommendation from the technical review committee of the Tiverton Planning Board prior to issuance of a state or local building permit.

  • c. Ground-mounted SES where the total panel size is less than 16 square feet for minor accessory uses such as landscape lighting, electric fencing, or pool heating as determined by the building official, shall not be subject to the requirements of this article. Minor accessory uses shall still be subject to all other applicable requirements of the Tiverton Zoning Code.

  • d. The construction and operation of all SES installations permitted under this article 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 including National Fire Prevention Association ("NFPA") code where applicable. All structures and fixtures forming part of a solar energy installation shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with the most current Rhode Island State Building Code and Electrical Code, and any other applicable provision.

(Ord. of 11-14-22(2); Ord. No. 2024-0013, 9-9-24)