Agenda - 11-08-2012 - 6a - Laserfiche WebLink

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Article 5: Uses 31 Section 5.9: Standards for Utilities (f) Panels shall be designed and oriented on the property such that concentrated solar radiation or glare shall not be directed onto nearby properties or road rights-of-way, or otherwise create a safety hazard. (g) As part of the site plan submittal, the applicant shall be required to submit documentation detailing the proposed array will not alter, or require alteration of, any condition imposed as part of a previous approval allowing for the development and use of the property." (h) All mechanical equipment associated with, and necessary for, the operation of the array shall be shielded to avoid damage. This shielding may take the form of a small enclosed structure properly W vented to allow for air flow,fence, or landscape hedge. (i) Mechanical equipment shall not be located within the required setback areas for the underlying zoning district as detailed within Article 3 or within required landscaped areas as required under Section 6.8. (i) Before commencement of earth disturbing activities, the property owner must acknowledge that he/she is the responsible party for owning and ensuring the perpetual maintenance of the solar array. (k) In cases where a solar array has not been in operation for a period of 6 months due to a malfunction or other defect the property owner shall affect repair(s) to the system within 30 days of notice from the County in accordance with Section 9.5 of the UDO. In cases were the array has been deemed unsafe it shall be removed or repaired immediately in accordance with Section 9.5.5 of the UDO. (2) Standards for Building Mounted Devices: (a) An array may be mounted on the roof of a principal or an accessory structure located on the property. (b) The array shall be viewed as an extension of the roof structure and, as a result, shall not exceed the maximum building height detailed within Article 3 for the underlying zoning district where the property is located. (c) As part of the building permit review process, structural engineering shall be provided demonstrating the roof can support the weight of the Proposed array. (3) Standards for Ground Mounted Devices: (a) Ground mounted system shall not exceed a maximum height of 15 feet from finished grade. (b) The surface area of a ground mounted system, regardless of the mounted angle, shall be calculated as part of the overall impervious 20 Modified to address concerns articulated at the August 27,2012 Quarterly Public Hearing. Revised language denoted with bold text. 21 Modified to address concerns articulated at the August 27,2012 Quarterly Public Hearing. Revised language denoted with bold text and eliminates proposed fence height requirements and hedge standards. 22 This was formerly Section 5.9.6(1)0)of the August 27,2012 Quarterly Public Hearing package. It has been renumbered due to previous formatting modifications. During the hearing concern was expressed over the proposed language being too vague. The revision,denoted with bold text,attempts to address those concerns. 21 There is some concern among Planning Board and Commissioner for the Environment members that a 15 foot height limit is too small,specifically this would limit the angle of the array to a point where it might not be able to function properly. This viewpoint was also articulated at the August 27,2012 Quarterly Public Hearing. Staff believes the proposed height limit is sufficient and would allow for the erection of an array that would be able to function properly. Orange County, North Carolina—Unified Development Ordinance Page 5-78