Roof-mounted SES
a. Roof-mounted SES shall be permitted as a matter of right in all zoning districts provided that the following express conditions are met:
(1) All roof-mounted SES shall be reviewed and permitted by the building official.
(2) 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. The building official shall utilize the applicable codes in effect at the time the application is filed.
(3) Roof-mounted SES shall not exceed the building height limitations prescribed by the zoning district in which they are located.
(4) Solar shingles shall conform to all applicable building codes, as well as the manufacturer's installation instructions.
(5) Except for the roof-mounted solar installations in the industrial zone, the solar energy system shall be parallel to the roofline. In the industrial zone, panels may be set to a pitch not to exceed 30 degrees.
(6) On pitched roofs, the roof-mounted SES: 1) shall comply with NFPA standards, in place at the time the application is made, as those standards relate to roof peaks, slope edges and valleys; and 2) shall be setback the greater of 18 inches from the lower edge/gutter line, or as the NFPA may require at the time of the application. The 18-inch lower edge setback may be reduced or waived by the zoning and building official for installation on a structure proposed as a net zero emissions project, otherwise this requirement may only be reduced or waived by dimensional variance and with proof of sufficient stormwater management mitigation measures.
(7) On flat roofs, roof mounted SES shall be set back from each edge at least two feet, or as required by the NFPA standards in place at the time the application is made.
(8) Fire pathways shall be provided as required by the building official or fire marshal.
(9) Accessory battery storage units shall be located inside a structure that is permitted under all other provisions of the Tiverton Zoning Code.
(10) The building official may require a structural analysis of the roof, prepared by a registered professional engineer, to establish that the structure is capable of supporting the additional load of the solar installation and that the mounting system/structure will adequately anchor the solar installation to the roof. The cost of this structural analysis shall be borne by the applicant.
b. Unless otherwise specified, the express conditions of 4(a) of this article shall not be altered unless by use variance, or as approved by State Building Code Commission.
(Ord. of 11-14-22(2); Ord. No. 2024-0013, 9-9-24)