[Ord. No. 15-2012]
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
Shall mean a solar energy system and all associated equipment which converts solar energy into usable electrical energy, heats water or produces hot air or other similar function through the use of solar panels.
SOLAR PANELS
Shall mean a structure containing one or more receptive cells, the purpose of which is to convert solar energy into usable electrical energy by way of solar energy system.
WIND GENERATOR OR WIND TURBINE
Shall mean equipment that converts energy from the wind into electricity. This term includes the rotor, blades, and associated mechanical and electrical conversion components necessary to generate, store and/or transfer energy.
[Ord. No. 15-2012]
The purpose of this section is to establish requirements for the installation of solar panels within the Borough of Bloomingdale.
[Ord. No. 15-2012]
a. 
Before any solar panel may be installed, plans for such installation shall be submitted to the Bloomingdale Building Department and Bloomingdale Fire Department officials. No solar panel shall be installed without a permit issued by the Borough.
b. 
The design of the solar panel system shall conform to all applicable industry standards including the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, the National Electric Code and the Bloomingdale Building Code and Zoning Regulations. The applicant shall submit certificates of design compliance obtained by the equipment manufacturer from a certified organization and any such design shall be certified by an engineer registered in the State of New Jersey. The manufacturer specifications shall be submitted as part of the application.
[Ord. No. 15-2012; amended 2-21-2023 by Ord. No. 7-2023]
a. 
Solar panels shall be permitted as a rooftop installation only in any zoning district. A roof-mounted system may be mounted on a principal building or accessory building. Ground-mounted solar systems or arrays shall not be permitted except on Borough owned property.
b. 
Roof-mounted solar panels shall be mounted parallel to the roof angle and shall not exceed a height of 12 inches above the rooftop.
c. 
A roof-mounted solar panel that is mounted on a flat roof may be angled to achieve maximum sun exposure but shall not exceed five feet above the roof. No such mounted solar panel shall exceed the maximum permitted height of the structure.
d. 
All roof-mounted panels shall be installed at least three feet from the roof edges.
e. 
Roof-mounted solar panels shall not be permitted on the front roof of a structure which faces a street. This requirement shall also apply to the side street of a corner lot. Solar panels shall be located on a rear- or side-facing roof, as viewed from any adjacent street. The removal of potential obstructions such as interceding vegetation shall not be sufficient cause for permitting a front-facing installation. Front-facing installation may be permitted if the applicant presents valid reasons to the Building Official as to why a front roof is the only effective or possible means for utilizing solar energy on the property. Such information shall be certified by a professional deemed qualified by the Building Department and reviewed by the Borough Engineer and any other professionals that the Borough deems necessary. All solar energy systems shall comply with the following conditions:
1. 
Solar panels shall be placed such that concentrated solar radiation or glare shall not be directed onto nearby properties, businesses, residential homes or roadways.
2. 
All exterior electrical lines must be painted a color scheme that matches as closely as reasonably possible the color of the structure and adjacent materials.
3. 
An external disconnect switch, which is clearly identified and unobstructed, shall be provided.
4. 
Signage identifying the use of solar panels shall be posted at an easily visible location. The signage shall clearly state the name, address and telephone number of the vendor authorized to deactivate the solar panel system in the case of an emergency.
5. 
In addition to the required signage, property owners shall provide the Borough Fire Official with a map illustrating the location of the disconnect switch, as well as any information regarding the vendor authorized to deactivate the solar panel.
6. 
Marking is required on all interior and exterior direct conduit, raceway, enclosures, cable assemblies and junction boxes to alert the Fire Service to avoid cutting them.
[Ord. No. 15-2012]
Wind generators, wind turbines, and similar devices shall be prohibited in any zone of the municipality except on Borough owned property.
[Added 2-21-2023 by Ord. No. 7-2023]
The Borough Zoning Officer and/or Construction Official shall be responsible for enforcement of this chapter.