The purpose of this Article is to balance the need for clean, renewable energy resources and the necessity to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the community. The City of Fredericktown finds these regulations are necessary to ensure that renewable energy systems are appropriately designed, sited, and installed.
As used in this Article, the following terms shall have these prescribed meanings:
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
A structure, the use of which is customarily incidental and subordinate to that of the principal building and is attached thereto, and is located on the same lot or premises as the principal building.
ARRAY
A number of solar panels or modules connected together in a single structure. One (1) installation can have more than one (1) array.
BLADES
The aerodynamic surface of a wind energy system that catches the wind.
BRAKING
A method of overspeed control that utilizes a brake, which is applied mechanically, electrically, or hydraulically, to stop the rotor of a wind energy system in emergencies.
BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM (BIPV)
Photovoltaic system used to replace traditional building materials in part of a building envelope, like awnings, roofs, facades, and sunrooms. PV shingle or tiles, PV laminates, and PV glazing are all examples of BIPV.
BUILDING-MOUNTED SMALL WIND ENERGY SYSTEM
A small wind energy system affixed to either a principal or accessory structure.
BUILDING-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A solar energy system affixed to either a principal or accessory structure.
FLUSH-MOUNTED SOLAR PANEL
Photovoltaic panels and tiles that are installed flush to the surface of a roof and which cannot be angled or raised.
GEOTHERMAL OR GROUND-SOURCE HEAT-PUMP SYSTEM
A system for heating and/or cooling buildings using the earth's thermal properties in conjunction with electricity. This system may include open and closed loop systems.
GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A solar energy system that is not attached to another structure and is affixed to the ground.
MONOPOLE TOWER
A wind energy system tower consisting of a single pole, constructed without guyed wires and anchors.
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM
A solar energy system that converts sunlight into electrical energy.
QUALIFIED SOLAR INSTALLER
A person who has skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of solar electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training on the hazards involved. Persons who are on the list of eligible photovoltaic installers or who are certified as a solar installer by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) shall be deemed to be qualified solar installers for the purposes of this definition. Persons who are not on the list of eligible installers or NABCEP's list of certified installers may be deemed to be qualified solar installers if the City determines such persons have had adequate training to determine the degree and extent of the hazard and the personal protective equipment and job planning necessary to perform the installation safely. Such training shall include the proper use of special precautionary techniques and personal protective equipment, as well as the skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed energized parts from other parts of electrical equipment and to determine the nominal voltage of exposed live parts.
RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS
Geothermal or ground-source heat-pump, solar energy, and small wind energy systems used to reduce on-site energy consumption.
ROOF-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A solar energy system affixed to the roof of either a principal or accessory structure.
SMALL WIND ENERGY SYSTEM
Any apparatus or equipment designed for the purpose of converting wind energy into electrical energy to reduce on-site consumption of utility power. This includes vertical-axis and horizontal-axis systems mounted on a building or a freestanding tower over fifteen (15) feet in height.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
Any apparatus or equipment designed for the purpose of collecting and transforming solar energy into thermal or electricity 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 water heating or space heating or cooling.
TOWER
The vertical component of a wind energy system that elevates the wind turbine generator and attached blades above the ground.
A. 
Accessory Uses. Renewable energy systems intended primarily to offset part or all of the customer-generator's own electrical energy requirements shall be an accessory use subject to the provisions of this Article. All other renewable energy systems are considered a principal use.
B. 
Lot Location. All renewable energy systems shall be located on the same lot as the principal use.
C. 
Building Permit. It shall be unlawful for any renewable energy system to be constructed, erected, and/or installed without a building permit except for rooftop and building-mounted, flush-mounted photovoltaic panel collectors,
1. 
Renewable energy systems shall comply with all applicable Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical Codes adopted by or applicable to the City of Fredericktown.
2. 
A building permit fee shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) for systems installed on residential property and one hundred dollars ($100.00) for commercial or industrial properties.
D. 
Site Plan Approval. Site plan approval is required for all small wind energy system towers and ground-mounted solar energy systems.
E. 
Federal And State Compliance. All renewable energy systems shall meet or exceed State and Federal standards and regulations in force at the time of installation.
A. 
General Requirements. The provisions of this Section apply to the construction and/or installation of all solar energy systems:
1. 
Glare. No direct or reflected glare shall be permitted which is visible from any property or from any public street, road, or highway.
2. 
Setbacks And Lot Coverage. Solar energy systems must comply with all setback and lot coverage requirements for the zoning district in which the property is located.
B. 
Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems.
1. 
Yard Requirement. Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall only be located in the rear yard of any zoning district. Solar carports may be permitted in any off-street parking area in commercial or industrial properties, and on residential properties in compliance with the requirements for accessory buildings and structures of this Code of Ordinances.
2. 
Height Requirement. Ground-mounted solar energy systems may not exceed the maximum height of the principal structure on the property. In any event, ground-mounted solar energy systems may not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height in any residential zoning district.
3. 
Underground Utilities. All exterior electrical and/or plumbing lines must be buried below the surface of the ground in accordance with the current Electrical and Plumbing Codes adopted by the City.
4. 
Maintenance. All ground-mounted systems shall be well maintained underneath the array with the installation of mulch, chat, rocks, or other attractive materials. No weeds or other vegetation around the ground-mounted system shall be in violation of Code Section 215.130.
C. 
Roof-Mounted Solar Energy Systems.
1. 
Mounting On Pitched Roofs. Solar arrays shall be permitted on any pitched roof if panels are mounted flush or parallel to the roof plane. Parallel mounting shall be placed no more than eight (8) inches higher than the roof surface. Any mounting of a solar array with a different pitch than the roof plane shall require a special use permit. Mounted solar arrays shall not exceed the height of the roofline.
2. 
Mounting On Flat Roofs. Solar arrays on flat roofs shall be screened from the view of adjacent property and public rights-of-way to promote a visually pleasing and uncluttering environment.
3. 
Written Analysis. The applicant must submit a written certification from a Missouri-licensed structural engineer providing details of the weight of each panel or array per square foot and certifying that the supporting structure has the structural integrity to carry the weight and wind loads of the solar energy system.
4. 
Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Systems. Building-integrated photovoltaic systems may locate on any roof plane or wall.
D. 
Safety.
1. 
All solar collector installations must be performed by a qualified solar installer as defined in this Article.
2. 
Prior to operation, electrical connections must be inspected by a City of Fredericktown Electric Lineman, Building Inspector and by such other appropriate electrical inspection person or agency, as determined by the City.
3. 
Solar energy systems shall be maintained in good working order.
4. 
Rooftop and building-mounted solar collectors shall meet the fire prevention and building code standards currently in effect under the Fredericktown Municipal Code.
5. 
If solar storage batteries are included as part of the solar collector system, they must be placed in a secure container or enclosure meeting the requirements of the City's Fire Prevention and Building Code when in use, and when no longer used shall be disposed of in accordance with the laws and regulations of the City and other applicable laws and regulations.
A. 
All applications for a solar energy system require:
1. 
A completed building permit with all the applicable electrical, plumbing, and structural engineering information and drawings.
2. 
A licensed Missouri engineer seal for any applicable set of plans.
3. 
A plot plan illustrating the following features for roof-mounted solar energy systems:
a. 
North arrow and bar scale.
b. 
Roof dimensions.
c. 
Show all ridge line and/or parapets for roof-mounted solar energy systems.
d. 
Identify all vents, chimneys, or other apparatus, including vertical objects (i.e., trees), that may affect the placement of the panel.
e. 
Provide details of the overall size of the panel array and the arrangement of the array.
4. 
A plot plan illustrating the following features for ground-mounted solar energy systems:
a. 
North arrow and bar scale.
b. 
Lot dimensions.
c. 
Identify all streets adjacent to lot.
d. 
Identify easements and setbacks.
e. 
Provide details of solar unit's maximum height from grade and overall size of panel array, and any screening details (vegetation, fencing, etc.).
f. 
Provide distances from existing structures, trees, fences, and adjacent property lines.
5. 
Provide detailed drawings of support structures or footings where applicable.
6. 
A picture showing the sample colors for the proposed solar energy system and the structure's roof material.
7. 
The applicant shall enter into an interconnection agreement for net metering systems with capacity of 100 kW or less as described in Code Section 710.500 et seq.
A. 
Setback Requirements. Drilling and trenching for geothermal heat pump systems shall be prohibited on any easement.
B. 
State Requirements. All geothermal heat pump systems shall comply with the Missouri Department of Natural Resource regulations established in 10 CSR 23 (Heat Pump Construction Codes).
A. 
All applications for a geothermal system require:
1. 
A completed building permit with all the applicable electrical and mechanical engineering information and drawings.
2. 
A plot plan illustrating the location of all geothermal systems.
a. 
North arrow and bar scale.
b. 
Lot dimensions.
c. 
Identify easements and setbacks.
d. 
Provide details of the location of all geothermal apparatus.
A. 
General Requirements. The provisions of this Section apply to the construction and/or installation of all small wind energy systems:
1. 
Location. All wind energy systems shall be located in the rear yard on a lot.
2. 
Electrical Wires. All electrical wires associated with a wind energy system must be buried below the surface of the ground, except for those wires necessary to connect the wind generator to the tower wiring, the tower wiring to the disconnect junction box, and the grounding wires, in accordance with the current Electrical Code adopted by the City.
3. 
Controls And Brakes. All systems shall contain an internal governor or braking device which engages at a manufacturer-specified wind speed intended to ensure the safe operation of the system in all wind conditions.
4. 
Lighting. Wind energy conversion systems shall not be illuminated by artificial means, except where the illumination is specifically required by the Federal Aviation Administration or other Federal, State, or local regulations.
5. 
Colors. Wind turbines shall be painted a non-reflective, non-obtrusive color such as the manufacturer's default color option or a color that conforms to the environment and architecture of the area in which it is located.
6. 
Noise. The noise emitted from any wind turbine which is objectionable due to volume, frequency, or beat shall be muffled or otherwise controlled so that there is no production of sound discernible at lot lines in excess of the average intensity of street and traffic noise at the lot lines.
7. 
Signage. Signs shall be limited to the manufacturer's or installer's identification, and required warning signs (e.g., electrical hazard or high voltage) placed on the wind turbine tower(s), electrical equipment, and the wind turbine. Commercial advertising is strictly prohibited.
B. 
Building-Mounted Wind Energy Systems.
1. 
Allowed Structures. Building-mounted wind energy systems shall only be allowed on non-residential structures.
2. 
Height Requirements. No building-mounted wind energy system shall exceed the height requirements for the zoning district in which it is located.
3. 
Written Analysis. A written certification from a Missouri-licensed structural engineer regarding the weight of the total installation per square foot and certifying that the structure has the structural integrity to carry the weight and wind loads of the wind energy conversion system and have minimal vibration impacts on the structure.
C. 
Small Wind Energy System Towers.
1. 
Monopole Tower. Monopole wind energy systems shall be conditionally permitted in commercial and industrial zoning districts. Monopole structures shall be prohibited in all residential zoning districts and the Mixed-Use Traditional Development District (MUTDD), unless located in a property used solely for a non-residential use (such as religious institutions, schools, fire stations, libraries, utility substations, cemeteries, parks, golf courses, etc.).
2. 
Guyed And Lattice Towers. Guyed and lattice towers shall only be permitted in industrial zoning districts.
3. 
Number Of Towers Per Lot. No more than two (2) ground-mounted wind energy systems that supplement energy consumption may be installed on any lot.
4. 
Rotor Distance. The minimum distance between the ground and any part of the rotor blade system shall be fifteen (15) feet.
5. 
Height And Setback Requirements. Height shall be measured from the base of the tower to the top of the blades. The setbacks listed below shall apply to all adjacent property and utility lines.
Districts
Maximum Height
(feet)
Minimum Setback
Tower Design Permitted
Non-residential uses in R-1, R-2, R-3
75
One (1) foot of setback for each foot of height of a freestanding tower in motion plus ten (10) feet when adjacent to residential uses or zoned property
Monopole
A, MH, C-1, C-2 and C-4
125
One (1) foot of setback for each foot of height of a freestanding tower in motion plus ten (10) feet when adjacent to residential uses or zoned property
Monopole
I-1 and I-2
150
One (1) foot of setback for each foot of height of a freestanding tower in motion plus ten (10) feet when adjacent to residential uses or zoned property
Monopole, guyed wire, lattice
D. 
Safety.
1. 
Prior to operation, electrical connections must be inspected by a City of Fredericktown Electric Lineman, Building Inspector and by such other appropriate electrical inspection person or agency, as determined by the City.
2. 
Wind energy systems shall be maintained in good working order.
A. 
All applications for a small wind energy system require:
1. 
A completed building permit with all the required electrical and structural engineering information and drawings.
2. 
A set of standard drawings [twenty-four (24) inches by thirty-six (36) inches] of the wind turbine structure and stamped engineered drawing of the tower, base, footings, and/or foundation as provided by the manufacturer.
3. 
Written, technical report from a licensed professional engineer that the wind energy system meets all applicable local, State, and Federal regulations.
4. 
A description of the safety precautions provided in order to ensure that the structure will not be detrimental to adjacent properties in the case of high winds and/or if the unit fails.
5. 
Color photo simulations showing the proposed site of the wind energy system with a photorealistic representation as it would appear viewed from all sides of the site. The color photo simulations shall show the proposed wind energy system and all proposed landscaping, fencing and other methods of screening.
6. 
The applicant shall enter into an interconnection agreement for net metering systems with capacity of 100 kW or less as described in Code Section 710.500 et seq.
7. 
A plot plan illustrating the following features for wind small energy system towers:
a. 
North arrow and bar scale.
b. 
Lot dimension.
c. 
Location, dimensions, and types of existing major structures on the property.
d. 
Location of the proposed wind system tower.
e. 
Identify all streets adjacent to the lot.
f. 
The setback distances and required fall line distance from adjacent properties.
g. 
Identify all easements and any overhead utility lines.
h. 
Provide distances from existing structures, trees, fences, and adjacent property lines.
i. 
Tower blueprints or drawings, including foundation drawing.
8. 
A plot plan illustrating the following features for building-mounted small wind energy systems:
a. 
North arrow and bar scale.
b. 
Lot dimensions.
c. 
Location, dimensions, and types of existing major structures on the property.
d. 
Location of the proposed wind system tower.
e. 
Identify all streets adjacent to the lot.
f. 
Identify all easement and any overhead utility lines.
A. 
This Article applies to renewable energy systems to be installed and constructed after the effective date of this Article.
B. 
Except as specified below, renewable energy systems constructed prior to the effective date of this Article shall not be required to meet the requirements of this Article.
C. 
Any upgrades, modifications or changes that materially alter the size or placement of an existing renewable energy system shall comply with the provisions of this Chapter.
Any system that is out of service for a continuous period of six (6) months will be considered abandoned and must be removed within ninety (90) days. If such system is not removed within ninety (90) days, the City may remove such system at the owner's expense after giving the owner notice and an opportunity to be heard with respect to removal.