solar energy

In the city's zoning ordinance, solar collectors are permitted with performance review in all districts (Tables 20-1, 21-1, 22-1, 23-1). A section on solar collectors provides development standards (§40-002-M). Collectors must be installed on the building or roof of the structure, but are prohibited from roofs with slopes of less than 1 percent. On low-sloped roofs [this is not defined], installations require clearance of 2 feet from the roof to allow for roof repairs and air circulation, and roofs must have sufficient capacity to hold the weight of the roof plus the solar components plus anticipated snow load. If rooftop installations may cause snow drifts, snow fences or other barriers are required to prevent snow from drifting or sliding onto doorways or sidewalks. Roofs must be inspected and made leakproof before solar installation. On other roofs, solar panels may be installed flush to roof but must be sealed to prevent water from getting under panels. All solar components must be inspected at the owner's expense for roof dampness and structural safety at least once every two years. The ordinance provides definitions for solar cell, solar collector, solar component, solar energy engine, and solar panel (§91-0144 et seq.).