[Adopted 3-20-2018 by Ord. No. 2893-18]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
A solar energy system that is directly installed on solar
racking systems, which are attached to an anchor in the ground and
wired to connect to an adjacent home or building. Ground-mounted systems
may be appropriate when insufficient space, structural and shading
issues, or other restrictions prohibit rooftop solar.
An area of land or other area (e.g., parking lot canopy,
landfill, brownfield, etc.) used for a solar collection system principally
used to capture solar energy, convert it to electrical energy or thermal
power and supply electrical or thermal power primarily for off-site
use. Principal solar energy systems consist of one or more freestanding
ground- or roof-mounted solar collector devices, solar-related equipment
and other accessory structures and buildings, including light reflectors,
concentrators, and heat exchangers, substations, electrical infrastructure,
transmission lines and other appurtenant structures.
An energy system that consists of one or more solar collection
devices, solar energy-related "balance of system" equipment, and other
associated infrastructure with the primary intention of generating
electricity, storing electricity, or otherwise converting solar energy
to a different form of energy.
A set of solar collection devices designed to capture sunlight
and convert it to electricity primarily for off-site consumption and
use; some electricity may be used by an on-site building or structure.
A photovoltaic array that is suspended over an area designated
for another use, such as parking.
A.Â
Zoning. A solar energy system is allowed in all zones, provided that the system is in compliance with the accessory use provisions for each zone in § 271-70 (Zone Requirements) of the Code of the Township of Maplewood.
B.Â
Setbacks for a ground-mounted solar energy system. The location of a ground-mounted solar energy system shall meet all applicable accessory use setback requirements of the zoning district in which it is located as per Subsection J in § 271-35 (Accessory Buildings and Structures) of the Code of the Township of Maplewood.
C.Â
Roof-mounted. The design of the solar energy system shall conform
to applicable local, state and national solar codes and standards.
A building permit shall be obtained for the installation of a solar
energy system. Design and installation work shall comply with all
applicable provisions of the National Electric Code (NEC), the International
Residential Code (IRC), the International Commercial Building Code,
the State Fire Code, and any additional requirements set forth by
the local utility.
D.Â
Height regulations.
(1)Â
Height, sloped roof: For a roof-mounted system, the highest
point of the system shall not exceed the highest point of the roof
to which it is attached as allowed by setback requirements.
(2)Â
Height, flat roof: For a roof-mounted system, the highest point
of the system shall not exceed the zoning district's height limit
unless the Planning Board approves a height variance as per the Municipal
Land Use Law.
(3)Â
Height, ground-mounted: Ground-mounted or freestanding solar
energy systems shall not exceed applicable maximum accessory structure
height in the zoning district in which the solar energy system is
located.
(4)Â
Height, solar parking canopies: A solar energy system may exceed
the applicable maximum accessory structure height if it will cover
an impervious surface parking area. Height may not exceed the height
of the primary structure that the parking area serves. Minimum height
of the parking canopy must allow clearance for emergency service and
service vehicles.
E.Â
Historic districts. The installation of a solar energy system within an historic district or on an historic resource property is permitted with a certificate of appropriateness granted by the Historic Preservation Commission as set forth in § 271-80 (Actions Requiring Review by Commission) of the Code of the Township of Maplewood.
The fee structure shall be as adopted in Chapter 123 of the Code of the Township of Maplewood.
