[Ord. No. 747, 1-18-2022]
For the purposes of this Chapter, terms used for renewable energy structures shall be defined as follows:
BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM (BIPV)
An active solar system that is an integral part of a principal or accessory building, rather than a separate mechanical device, replacing or substituting for an architectural or structural component of the building. Building-integrated systems include but are not limited to photovoltaic or hot water solar systems that are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and awnings, PV shingles or tiles, PV laminates, and PV glazing are all examples of BIPV.
GLARE
The effect produced by light reflecting from a solar energy system with an intensity sufficient to cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility.
GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A solar energy system that is not attached to a structure and is affixed to the ground.
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM
A solar energy system that converts sunlight into electrical energy.
ROOF MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A solar energy system. affixed to the roof of either a principal or accessory structure.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A structure designed for the purpose of collecting and transforming solar energy into thermal or electrical energy. Solar energy systems may include photovoltaic or solar thermal systems.
SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEM
A solar energy system that uses sunlight to produce heat that is used for space heating and cooling, domestic hot water, and heating pool water.
[Ord. No. 747, 1-18-2022]
A. 
Solar energy systems are structures which shall be permitted on all residential property.
B. 
The requirements of the City Code shall apply to all solar energy systems installed or modified after the effective date of this Chapter on all residential property.
C. 
Any upgrade, modification, or structural change that alters the size or placement of an existing solar energy system shall comply with the provisions of this Chapter.
[Ord. No. 747, 1-18-2022]
A. 
The following general requirements apply to all solar energy systems. All solar energy systems shall:
1. 
Comply with all minimum yard structure setback requirements;
2. 
Be, placed in such a manner that glare will not be directed onto nearby properties or adjacent streets; and
3. 
Shall comply with all of the requirements of the St. Louis County ordinances regarding the International Building Code, the National Electrical Code and the National Fire Code, all applicable Fire District code requirements and, in addition to permit requirements of the City of Greendale, shall obtain any permit required by St. Louis County.
B. 
Minimum Requirements For Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems. All ground-mounted solar energy systems shall:
1. 
Be located in the rear yard of the residential property;
2. 
Not exceed ten (10) feet in height as measured from the average grade at the base of the structure to the highest point of the structure;
3. 
Have all exterior electrical and/or plumbing lines connecting to a principal or accessory structure be located underground; and
4. 
Ground-mounted solar energy systems must be substantially screened from public view (including adjacent properties and public rights-of-way) by primary or accessory structure walls, substantial landscaping or other architectural features or any combination thereof; provided, however, based exclusively upon topographical circumstances, that screening shall not be required to be so dense, so tall or so located as to render the equipment essentially non-functional, but under all circumstances the ground mounted solar energy systems must be substantially screened from public view.
C. 
Minimum Requirements For Roof-Mounted Solar Energy Systems.
1. 
All roof-mounted solar energy systems shall be mounted on a principal or accessory building or structure.
2. 
Mounting on sloped roofs:
a. 
System shall not exceed the height of the existing roofline as illustrated hereafter.
b. 
System shall be mounted parallel to the roof, not to exceed twelve (12) inches above the roofline to which it is affixed.
c. 
System shall be positioned in a symmetrical fashion and centered on the plane of the roof on which it is located.
516-030C2c.tif
3. 
Mounting on flat roofs:
a. 
System shall be mounted parallel to the roof, not to exceed thirty-six (36) inches above the roofline to which it is affixed.
b. 
System shall be positioned in a symmetrical fashion and centered on the plane of the roof on which it is located.
D. 
Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Systems.
1. 
Building-integrated photovoltaic systems maybe located on any roof plane or wall.
[Ord. No. 747, 1-18-2022]
A. 
The following information shall be submitted to the City of Greendale.
1. 
A building permit application.
2. 
Four (4) copies of a survey or site plan including building lines, drawn to scale and including the following information:
a. 
Location and size of the renewable energy structure, including the height of the residential structure, the maximum height of the solar system, and the height of all other structures located on the property;
b. 
The location and type of landscaping and screening for proposed ground-mounted solar energy systems;
c. 
All existing and proposed easements/rights-of-way on the site;
d. 
Specific structure setbacks in accordance with the structure setbacks established in the governing zoning district; and
e. 
Any other information as required by the City of Greendale or St. Louis County.
[Ord. No. 747, 1-18-2022]
Upon submission of the information set out in Section 516.040, the Building Commissioner or other person appointed by the Mayor of the City of Greendale shall make a decision regarding approval or denial of the application for permit Said decision regarding the application of this Chapter may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment in accordance with procedures set out in this Code.
[Ord. No. 747, 1-18-2022]
A. 
Solar energy systems lawfully installed and operable on residential property prior to the effective date of this Chapter of the City Code are exempt from the requirements herein, unless:
1. 
The solar energy system is moved to another location on the property, enlarged, modified, or replaced with a new system; or
2. 
Any other work or alteration is done to the existing solar energy system that requires municipal zoning approval by the City.