Solar Energy

The county's zoning code defines a solar energy system as one sized to 120% of the average annual load of the primary use (§2.3.161). It permits solar energy systems by right in all zoning districts (§4.19). Standards allow ground-mounted collectors compliant with lot line and road right-of-way setbacks with minimal visual impact on adjacent properties and roads; roof-mounted systems require a building permit and though they should be mounted as flush as possible to the roof, they may exceed the roofline or height maximum by up to 5 feet (§8.24).

The zoning code also includes a definition for Production Facility, Renewable Energy (§2.3.124). These are special uses in agricultural, commercial, and industrial districts (§4.19). Standards include requiring access from certain highways to minimize county road impacts and requiring fire safety and waste disposal plans (§8.23).