HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Zoning Text Amendments Relating to Solar Energy Systems ORDINANCE NO. 4236
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF
AMES, IOWA, BY REPEALING SECTIONS 29.1309(3),(c),(d)(i)(ii),
29.1309(4),(e),(f),(g),29.1309(5),(b),(c),(d)AND 29.1309(15)AND ENACTING
NEW SECTIONS 29.1309(3),(c),(d)(i)(ii), 29.1309(4),(e),(f),(g),
29.1309(5),(b),(c),(d)AND 29.1309(15)THEREOF,FOR THE PURPOSE OF
AMENDMENTS RELATING TO SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS;
REPEALING ANY AND ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH CONFLICT;
AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED, by the City Council for the City of Ames, Iowa,that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby amended by
enacting new Sections 29.1309(3),(c),(d)(i)(ii), 29.1309(4),(e),(f),(g), 29.1309(5),(b),(c),(d)AND 29.1309(15) as
follows:
"Sec. 29.1309 SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS.
(3) Freestanding Solar Energy Systems:
(c) Height. Six (6) feet in height maximum in side and rear yards. Four (4) feet in height
maximum in front yards. There is an exception for systems in non-residential zoning districts, a SES may be
twenty(20)feet in height and subject to setbacks if placed over a parking area.Otherwise,height and setback
limits are the same as in residential zoning districts.The height shall be measured from the grade at system base
to the highest peak, including the highest position of any adjustable system.
(d) Freestanding System Size:
(i) Residential Properties. Systems shall not exceed one-tenth(1/10)the footprint of
the principal building served or one hundred(100)square feet,whichever is greater.
(ii) Non-Residential Properties. Systems shall not exceed the footprint of the principal
building served.
(4) Residential Attached Solar Energy Systems are permitted to be located on the roof or attached to
a building, subject to all of the following:
(e) Systems shall not exceed the maximum height in the zone, for the structure to which it is
attached except for projections allowed in(g)below.
(f) The building must have a conforming principal use.
(g) Roof attached systems may be mounted on principal and accessory building roofs provided
they conform to the maximum height standards established in the zone.Additionally,systems shall be mounted
parallel to the pitch of the roof and be no higher than 6 inches from the roof surface except that systems not
meetingthe flush mount requirementmay be allowed subject to approval of a Solar Energy System Special Use
Permit,provided they do not project more than 5 feet from the roof surface.A system or a portion of a system
not visible from abutting street rights of way is exempt from the flush mount requirement,but no part of the
system shall project higher than 5 feet from the roof surface.
(5) Non-Residential Attached Solar Energy Systems are permitted on the roof of,or attached to a non-
residential building, subject to all of the following:
(b) For roof mounting,no part of the system shall project more than ten(10)feet from the roof.
(c) No part of the system shall extend more than 50 percent into any required side or rear setback.
No part of the system shall extend more than 20 percent into any required front setback.
(d) No part of the system shall exceed the maximum height permitted in the zone,forthe structure
to which it is attached except for the projections allowed in(b)and(c)above.
Section 29.1309(15)
(15) Interconnection: Interconnected Solar Energy Systems are allowed subject to the standards in this
section. The applicant is encouraged to work with the applicable utility before purchasing equipment.
Section Two. All ordinances or arts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of
p Y
such conflict, if any.
Section Three. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication as
required by law.
Passed this 8`h day of December,2015.
Diane R. Voss,City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor il