§ 220-77.1. Solar energy.

A. 

Applicability. The requirements of this section shall apply to all Solar Energy Systems installed or modified in the Town of Canandaigua, excluding general maintenance and repair.

B. 

Solar energy systems as accessory use or accessory structure.

(1) 

Roof-mounted solar energy systems.

(a) 

Roof-mounted solar energy systems that use the electricity onsite or offsite are permitted as an accessory use in all zoning districts when attached to any lawfully existing and lawfully permitted building.

(b) 

Height. Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed the maximum height restrictions of the zoning district within which they are located and are provided the same height exemptions granted to building-mounted mechanical devices or equipment.

(c) 

Aesthetics. Roof-mounted solar energy system installations shall incorporate, when feasible, the following design requirements:

[1] 

Panels facing the front yard must be mounted at the same angle as the roof's surface with a maximum distance of 18 inches between the roof and the highest edge of the system.

[2] 

Solar energy systems should be color-compatible with the primary structure.

(2) 

Small-scale solar energy systems.

(a) 

Small-scale solar energy systems that use the electricity primarily onsite are permitted as accessory structures in the following zoning districts: AR-1 Agricultural Rural Residential, AR-2 Agricultural Rural Residential, RR-3 Rural Residential, R-1-20 Residential, R-1-30 Residential, SCR-1 Southern Corridor Residential.

(b) 

Setbacks. Small-scale solar energy systems shall adhere to the setback requirements for accessory structures of the underlying zoning districts.

(c) 

Height. Small-scale solar energy systems shall not exceed 10 feet in height.

(d) 

Lot coverage. Small-scale solar energy systems are limited to 10% total lot coverage. The surface area covered by small-scale solar panels shall be included in the total lot coverage. The entire surface area of the solar panels shall be included in the total area regardless of the method by which the panels are supported or attached to the ground, or the angle at which they are placed.

(e) 

Small-scale solar energy systems shall not exceed 1,000 square feet in total area without obtaining a special use permit. The entire surface area of the solar panels shall be included in the total area regardless of the method by which the panels are supported or attached to the ground, or the angle at which they are placed.

(f) 

All such systems in residential zoning districts shall be installed in the side or rear yards.

C. 

Large-scale solar systems as a special use. Large-scale solar energy systems may be permitted through the issuance of a special use permit in the following zoning districts: CC-Commercial, AR-1 Agricultural Rural Residential, AR-2 Agricultural Rural Residential, I-Industrial, and RR-3 Rural Residential, subject to the requirements set forth in § 220-62.2.

D. 

Abandonment and decommissioning. Solar energy systems shall be considered abandoned after 12 consecutive months without electrical energy generation and must be removed from the property. Applications for extensions can be made to the Planning Board, which shall have authority to grant six-month extensions.

E. 

Permits and applications. A site development permit shall be required for any type of solar energy system installed within the Town of Canandaigua.

(1) 

No site development permit shall be issued for a small-scale solar energy system in a front yard.

(2) 

No site development permit shall be issued for a large-scale solar energy system unless and until the Planning Board has issued a special use permit pursuant to Town Code § 220-62.2.

(3) 

Application fees for the following permits shall be set by the Town Board in the Town Fee Schedule:

(a) 

Site development permit for solar energy system as an accessory structure;

(b) 

Site development permit and special use permit for a small-scale solar energy system;

(c) 

Site development permit and special use permit for a large-scale solar energy system.

Editor's Note: The Town Fee Schedule is on file in the Town Clerk's office.

(4) 

Nothing contained herein shall be construed to eliminate the requirements for site plan approval or other permits contained elsewhere in this Town Code.

Added 12-19-2016 by L.L. No. 10-2016