§ 3-117. Solar energy system, ground mounted.

In zoning districts where permitted, a ground mounted solar energy system shall be subject to the following regulations:

(a)

Placement.

1.

A ground-mounted solar energy system shall not be located within the required front yard of a lot.

2.

A ground-mounted system shall not be located over a septic system, leach field area or identified reserve area unless approved by the Jackson County Environmental Health Department.

3.

If located in a floodplain or an area of known localized flooding, all panels, electrical wiring, automatic transfer switches, inverters, etc. shall be located above the base flood elevation.

4.

Panels and ground mounts shall be installed per manufacturer's specifications.

(b)

Maximum area coverage. For residential properties, a ground-mounted solar energy system shall not exceed 25 percent of the footprint of the principal building served. For non-residential properties, a solar energy system shall not exceed 50 percent of the footprint of the principal building served.

(c)

Height. The maximum height of a ground-mounted solar energy system shall not exceed the maximum building height for accessory buildings in the zoning district in which it is located, or 20 feet, whichever is less.

(d)

Permitting. A building permit is required for any ground-mounted solar energy system and for the installation of any thermal solar energy system.

(Ord. No. 17-003 , § 1, 10-2-2017)