23.45.545

A. General standards for solar collectors 1. Solar collectors are permitted in required setbacks, subject to the following: a. Detached solar collectors are permitted in required rear setbacks, no closer than 5 feet to any other principal or accessory structure. b. Detached solar collectors are permitted in required side setbacks, no closer than 5 feet to any other principal or accessory structure, and no closer than 3 feet to the side lot line. 2. Sunshades that provide shade for solar collectors that meet minimum written energy conservation standards administered by the Director may project into southern front or rear setbacks. Those that begin at 8 feet or more above finished grade may be no closer than 3 feet from the lot line. Sunshades that are between finished grade and 8 feet above finished grade may be no closer than 5 feet to the lot line. 3. Solar collectors on roofs. Solar collectors that are located on a roof are permitted as follows: a. In LR zones up to 4 feet above the maximum height limit or 4 feet above the height of stair or elevator penthouse(s), whichever is higher; and b. In MR and HR zones up to 10 feet above the maximum height limit or 10 feet above the height of stair or elevator penthouse(s), whichever is higher. c. If the solar collectors would cause an existing structure to become nonconforming, or increase an existing nonconformity, the Director may permit the solar collectors as a special exception pursuant to Chapter 23.76 . Solar collectors may be permitted under this subsection 23.45.545.A.3.c even if the structure exceeds the height limits established in this subsection 23.45.545.A.3, if the following conditions are met: 1) There is no feasible alternative solution to placing the collector(s) on the roof; and 2) The collector(s) are located so as to minimize view blockage from surrounding properties and the shading of property to the north, while still providing adequate solar access for the solar collectors. B. Special exceptions. The Director may permit the installation of solar collectors that meet minimum energy standards and that increase an existing nonconformity as a special exception pursuant to Chapter 23.76 . Such an installation may be permitted even if it exceeds the height limits established in this Section 23.45.545 and Section 23.45.514 when the following conditions are met: 1. There is no feasible alternative solution to placing the collector(s) on the roof; and 2. Such collector(s) are located so as to minimize view blockage from surrounding properties and the shading of property to the north, while still providing adequate solar access for the solar collectors. (Ord. 127376 , § 45, 2025; Ord. 127211 , § 14, 2025; Ord. 127099 , § 21, 2024; Ord. 126600 , § 4, 2022; Ord. 126157 , § 22, 2020; Ord. 125854 , § 6, 2019; Ord. 125791 , § 47, 2019; Ord. 125603 , § 23, 2018; Ord. 125483 , § 4, 2017; Ord. 124378 , § 36, 2013; Ord. 124105 , § 22, 2013; Ord. 123939, § 10, 2012; Ord. 123495, § 44, 2011; Ord. 123378, § 15, 2010; Ord. 123209, § 45, 2009.)