01-22-2019 Planning Commission Packet

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Sec.78-1379.-Alternative energy systems. (a) Scope.Section 78-1379 applies to alternative energy systems in all zoning districts. (b) Purpose and intent.The purpose and intent of this section is to establish standards and procedures by which the installation and operation of alternative energy systems shall be regulated within the city.The city finds that it is in the public interest to encourage alternative energy systems that have a positive impact on energy production and conservation while not having an adverse impact on the community. (c) Definitions. For the purpose of section 78-1379 the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. (1) General definitions. Accessory.A system designed as a secondary use to existing buildings or facilities,wherein the power generated is used primarily for on-site consumption. Alternative energy system.A ground source heat pump,wind energy conversion system,hydronic furnace or solar energy system. (2) Ground source heat pump system definitions. Closed loop ground source heat pump system.A system that circulated a heat transfer fluid,typically food-grade antifreeze,through pipes or coils buried beneath the land surface or anchored to the bottom of a body of water. Ground source heat pump system.A system that uses the relatively constant temperature of the earth or a body of water to provide heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.System components include open or closed loops of pipe,coils or plates;fluid that absorbs and transfers heat;and a heat pump unit that processes heat for use or disperses heat for cooling;and an air distribution system.Also sometimes referred to as a geothermal system. Heat transfer fluid.A non-toxic and food grade fluid such as potable water,aqueous solutions of propylene glycol not to exceed 20 percent by weight or aqueous solutions of potassium acetate not to exceed 20 percent by weight. Horizontal ground source heat pump system.A closed loop ground source heat pump system where the loops or coils are installed horizontally in a trench or series of trenches no more than 20 feet below the land surface. Open loop ground source heat pump system.A system that uses groundwater as a heat transfer fluid by drawing groundwater from a well to a heat pump and then discharging the water over land,directly in a water body or into an injection well. Vertical ground source heat pump system.A closed loop ground source heat pump system where the loops or coils are installed vertically in one or more borings below the land surface. (3) Solar energy systems definitions. Building-integrated solar energy system.A solar energy system that is an integral part of a principal or accessory building, rather than a separate mechanical device,replacing or substituting for an architectural or structural component of the building including,but not limited to,photovoltaic or hot water solar systems contained within roofing materials,windows,skylights and awnings. Flush-mounted solar energy system.A roof-mounted system mounted directly abutting the roof.The pitch of the solar collector may exceed the pitch of the roof up to five percent but shall not be higher than ten inches above the roof. Passive solar energy system.A system that captures solar light or heat without transforming it to another form of energy or transferring the energy via a heat exchanger. Photovoltaic system.A solar energy system that converts solar energy directly into electricity.