Irvine Municipal Code Ch. 3-31 Solar Energy System Standards

The purpose of the solar energy system standards is to encourage investment in solar energy systems on all parcels in the City, both residential and nonresidential, while providing guidelines for the installation of those systems that are consistent with the architectural and building standards of the City. All solar energy systems shall comply with all applicable provisions of the City of Irvine Codes and the standards of this chapter.

(Code 1976, § V.E-321.1; Ord. No. 92-3, 4-14-92; Ord. No. 94-7, § 3, 6-14-94; Ord. No. 09-02, § 3, 3-24-09)

The applicant shall submit for and receive approval of a building permit prior to installation of any solar energy system.

(Code 1976, § V.E-321.2; Ord. No. 92-3, 4-14-92; Ord. No. 94-7, § 3, 6-14-94; Ord. No. 09-02, § 3, 3-24-09)

A. Ground-mounted solar energy systems.

1. All ground-mounted solar energy systems shall not be located within the front, side, or rear building setbacks, or front yard area, and shall comply with all applicable height restrictions.

2. To the extent possible, without compromising the solar energy system's access to the sun, ground-mounted solar energy systems shall be screened from view at-grade from all adjacent streets and adjacent properties.

B. Roof-mounted solar energy systems.

1. All solar energy system appurtenances such as, but not limited to, electrical conduit, junction boxes, water tanks, supports, and plumbing shall be screened to the maximum extent possible without compromising the effectiveness of the solar collectors, and shall be painted a color similar to the color of the surface upon which they are mounted. Solar collectors (modules, inverters and rails) are exempt from the screening and color provisions of this subsection.

2. All roof-mounted solar collectors can be mounted at an optimum angle to the sun for maximum energy production. The maximum height of a solar collector shall be two feet, measured perpendicular to the roof surface, and may not exceed the maximum overall building height. The remainder of the solar energy system shall be below the level of the solar collector(s).

C. Covered parking solar energy systems.

1. Covered parking solar energy systems shall not be located within any required building setback (except for where granted under the exception in Section 3-27-10).

2. Covered parking solar energy systems shall not result in a net loss of any required parking.

(Code 1976, § V.E-321.3; Ord. No. 92-3, 4-14-92; Ord. No. 94-7, § 3, 6-14-94; Ord. No. 09-02, § 3, 3-24-09; Res. No. 15-86, § 3(Exh.A), 8-11-15; Ord. No. 23-13, § 3(Exh. A), 7-11-23)

A. Covered parking solar energy systems.

1. Covered parking solar energy systems shall not be located within any required building setback but may encroach into a landscaping setback a maximum of three feet.

2. Covered parking solar energy systems shall not result in a net loss of any required parking.

B. Roof-mounted solar energy systems.

1. All solar energy system appurtenances such as, but not limited to, plumbing, water tanks, and support equipment shall be screened to the maximum extent possible without compromising the effectiveness of the solar collectors and shall be painted a color similar to the color of the surface upon which they are mounted. If panels are used as screening, they shall contain a finish and color consistent with the building's exterior walls. Solar collectors are exempt from the screening and color provisions of this subsection; solar inverter boxes and A/C disconnect boxes are exempt from the color provision of this subsection.

(Code 1976, § V.E-321.4; Ord. No. 92-3, 4-14-92; Ord. No. 94-7, § 3, 6-14-94; Ord. No. 09-02, § 3, 3-24-09; Res. No. 15-86, § 3(Exh.A), 8-11-15)

Notwithstanding anything set forth herein, the regulations set forth in this Chapter shall not preclude the establishment of solar energy systems proposed in accordance with state law.

(Ord. No. 23-13, § 3(Exh. A), 7-11-23)