HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Zoning Text Amendment Relating to Height of Solar Energy Systems ORDINANCE NO. 4302
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF
AMES,IOWA,BY REPEALING SECTION 29.1309(3)AND ENACTING A-
NEW SECTION 29.1309(3)THEREOF,FOR THE PURPOSE OF HEIGHT
OF SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS ; REPEALING ANY AND ALL
ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT TO THE
EXTENT OF SUCH CONFLICT; PROVIDING A PENALTY; 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
repealing Section 29.1309(3)and enacting a new Section 29.1309(3)as follows:
"Sec. 29.1309 SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS(SES).
(3) Freestanding Solar Energy Systems:
(a) Setbacks
.(i) Front.Solar Energy Systems shall not be located within any required front setback.
They may be located in a front yard(beyond the required front setback line)subject to approval of a Solar Energy System
Special Use Permit by the Zoning Board of Adjustment, except as noted in(d),below.
(a) Front yard, as used in this section, is the space between the principal
building on the lot and the front lot line. See definition and graphic in Section 29.406(7)(e).
(ii) Side and Rear. Six(6)feet from all property lines and other structures.
(iii) Corner and Through Lots.The definition and requirements for a front yard
in
Section 29.406(7)(e)shall prevail when the subject lot is not an interior lot.
(iv) Easements,Utilities,Rights of Way.No portion of any solar energy system shall
extend into any easement,right of way or public way,regardless of above stated exceptions and regulations for setback
and yard requirements.
(b) Location. Systems shall be located on the same lot as the building being served.
Where there is no principal building,the system is not allowed.
(c) Height in Zoning Districts other than General Industrial: Six(6)feet in height maximum in
side and rear yards. Four(4) feet in height maximum in front yards. The height shall be measured from the grade at
system base to the highest peak,including the highest position of any adjustable system.
(d) Height in General Industrial zones: Twenty(20)feet in height maximum in front yard
provided the front setback of the zoning district is met. Twenty(20)feet in height maximum in side and rear yards
provided the required side and rear setbacks(Section 3(a)(ii), above)are met. The height shall be measured from the
grade at system base to the highest peak, including the highest position of any adjustable system.
(e) Height in Non-Residential zones if placed over a parking area: Twenty(20)feet in height
provided the required setbacks of the zoning district are met.
(f)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. Within the General Industrial zone: the footprint of systems may exceed the footprint of the
principal building subject to meeting all other development standards.
(iii)Lot Coverage.Freestanding systems shall be included in the maximum lot coverage
except that up to 40 square feet is allowed regardless of total lot coverage.
(iv)Measurement of the system shall be based upon the area of the solar receiving panel,
regardless of the adjustment angle of the panel."
Section Two. Violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall constitute a municipal infraction punishable
as set out by law.
Section Three. All ordinances,or parts of ordinances,in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent
of such conflict,if any.
Section Four. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication as
required by law.
Passed this 9`h day of May 2017
Diane R.Voss,City Clerk Ann H. Campbell,Mayor