Orange County NC Website
Article 5: Uses 184 <br /> Section 5.9: Standards for Utilities <br /> In the case of an array erected on a non-residentially zoned property, the <br /> array shall not be located within any required setback, landscape, or <br /> buffer area. <br /> (e) If a ground mounted array is removed, any earth disturbance shall be <br /> graded and reseeded within 60 days. <br /> (B) Submittal Requirements and Standards of Evaluation for Solar Array— Large <br /> Facility(Class B Special Use Permit) <br /> (1) Submittal Requirements <br /> In addition to the information required by Section 2.7, the following shall be <br /> submitted as part of the application: <br /> (a) A site plan showing all existing structures on the property, any proposed <br /> buildings or structures that are necessary to support the proposed array, <br /> existing and proposed storage areas, parking and access areas, <br /> topography at a contour interval of five feet, any officially designated <br /> floodplains or alluvial soils. <br /> (b) An assessment of the power needs for all structures on the property and <br /> the anticipated power generated by the proposed array. <br /> (c) The proposed arrays distance from all structures located on the property. <br /> (d) Plans and elevations for all proposed structures and arrays as well as <br /> descriptions of the color and nature of all exterior materials. <br /> (e) Landscape Plan, at the same scale as the site plan, showing existing <br /> and proposed trees, shrubs, ground cover and other landscape material <br /> (f) A soils report denoting the types of soil on the property including detail <br /> on the compaction necessary to support the proposed development. <br /> (2) Standards of Evaluation <br /> (a) The proposed array shall not require the alteration of existing land use(s) <br /> to accommodate development. <br /> (b) All on-site utility and transmission lines shall, to the extent feasible, be <br /> placed underground. <br /> (c) The height of proposed arrays and support structures shall not exceed <br /> the height requirements of the underlying zoning district where the <br /> property is located as detailed within Article 3. <br /> (d) Individual arrays/solar panels shall be designed and located in order to <br /> prevent reflective glare toward any inhabited buildings on adjacent <br /> properties as well as adjacent street rights-of-way. <br /> (e) A clearly visible warning sign concerning voltage must be placed at the <br /> base of all pad-mounted transformers and substations. <br /> (f) All mechanical equipment, including any structure for batteries or storage <br /> cells, shall be completely enclosed by a minimum eight (8) foot high <br /> fence with a self-locking gate, and provided with screening in accordance <br /> with the provisions of Section 6.8. <br /> (g) The applicant shall submit proof of liability insurance covering bodily <br /> injury and property damage demonstrating a minimum coverage limit of <br /> $500,000.00 per occurrence. <br /> (h) A Type D Land Use Buffer shall be provided along any portion of the <br /> perimeter of the parcel, easement, or leasehold area located adjacent to <br /> property zoned, or otherwise utilized for, residential use except where <br /> Orange County, North Carolina—Unified Development Ordinance Page 5-111 <br />