Solar design standards.

A. All solar energy systems shall be designed and installed in conformance with the current International Building Code requirements and the manufacturer's recommendations. In case of conflict between these sources, the International Building Code shall apply.B. Roof-mounted solar energy systems.(1) Roof-mounted solar energy systems that use the electricity on site are permitted as an accessory use in all zoning districts when attached to any lawfully permitted building or structure.(2) Height. 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.(3) Aesthetics.

Roof-mounted solar energy system installations shall incorporate the following design requirements:(a) Height and setback. Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall adhere to the height and setback requirements of the underlying zoning district.(b) Panels installed on a sloping roof 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.(c) Panels installed on a flat or near-flat roof shall be screened by a parapet wall or other approved screening materials at an equal height as the top of the panels.(d) All flat and near-flat roof installations shall provide a perimeter area around the edges of the roof for emergency access and maintenance work.

Larger buildings may be required to provide internal walkways to equipment, access hatches, stairways, ladders, and other roof penetrations or equipment.C. Ground-mounted solar energy systems installations shall incorporate the following design requirements:(1) Ground-mounted solar energy systems that use the electricity primarily on site are permitted as accessory structures in all zoning districts.(2) Height and setback. Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall adhere to the height and setback requirements of the underlying zoning district.(3) Lot coverage. Ground-mounted systems are limited to a maximum of 20% of lot coverage.

The surface area covered by ground-mounted solar panels shall be included in the total lot coverage, including any primary or secondary structures. Area shall be based upon square feet of solar panel surfaces.(4) All ground-mounted systems in residential districts shall be installed in the side or rear yards with a minimum setback of 25 feet to any adjoining property lines.(5) All ground-mounted systems shall be located in a manner to reasonably minimize view blockage for surrounding properties and shading of adjoining properties, while still providing adequate solar access for collectors.D. Rules applicable to all solar energy systems.(1) All solar energy systems shall not be located within any buffer, easement, or environmental protection overlay district (wetland, steep slope, or coastal erosion area).(2) All solar energy systems shall be permitted only if they are determined by the Town of Webster not to present any unreasonable safety risk, including, but not limited to, the following:(a) Weight load.(b) Wind resistance.(c) Ingress or egress in the event of an emergency.(3) Small solar panels of less than one square yard for charging of batteries and powering small equipment or devices shall not require a permit.(4) All solar energy systems shall obtain site plan approval from the Webster Planning Board under the local Zoning Code or other land use regulations.(5) For any installation within an existing agricultural district or conservation easement, the applicant shall submit all required documentation in conformance with local, state, and federal laws.