Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 05/05/2014

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f. Aesthetics. All solar energy systems shall be designed to blend into the architecture of the building and to minimize glare toward vehicular traffic and adjacent properties to the extent possible without impacting the performance of the system. g. Abandonment. If a solar energy system remains non - functional or inoperative for a continuous period of one (1) year, the system shall be deemed to be abandoned and shall constitute a public nuisance. The owner shall remove the abandoned system at their expense after obtaining a demolition permit. h. Permits. A permit(s) shall be obtained for any solar energy system in accordance with Minnesota State Building Code prior to installation. (d) Ground source heat pump systems. In all districts, ground source heat pump systems shall be permitted as an accessory use in accordance with the standards in this section. (1) System requirements. a. Only closed loop ground source heat pump systems utilizing heat transfer fluids are permitted. Open loop ground source heat pump systems are not permitted. (2) Setbacks. a. All components of ground source heat pump systems including pumps, borings and loops shall be set back at least five (5) feet from any property boundary. b. Above ground equipment associated with the ground source heat pump system shall meet all required setbacks for the applicable zoning district. c. The loop field of a ground source heat pump system shall be no closer than five (5) feet from the water main line. (3) Easements. Ground source heat pump systems shall not encroach on any public drainage, utility, roadway or trail easement. (4) Abandonment. If the ground source heat pump system remains non - functional or inoperative for a continuous period of one (1) year, the system shall be deemed to be abandoned and shall constitute a public nuisance. The owner shall remove the abandoned system at their expense, after a demolition permit has been obtained, in accordance with applicable codes. (5) Permits. A permit(s) shall be obtained for any ground source heat pump system in accordance with Minnesota State Building Code prior to installation. (Ord. No. 09 - 12, § 2, 9 - 8 - 2010) SECTION 3. SUMMARY The following is the official summary of Ordinance #14 -04, which has been approved by the City Council of the City of Ramsey as clearly informing the public of the intent and effect of the Ordinance. It is the intent and effect of Ordinance #14 -04 to amend Ramsey, Minnesota City Code Section 117 -1 (Definitions) and City Code Section 117 -430 (Wind energy conversion systems [WECS]) to: • Add definitions related to solar energy systems and ground source heat pump systems. • Rename Section 117 -430 as Alternative energy systems and establish minimum standards regarding location, setbacks and height for solar energy and ground source heat pump systems.