1926 Victoria Avenue | Fort Myers, FL 33901
P: 239.338.2550 | F: 239.338.2560 | www.swfrpc.org
November 4, 2014
Re: Best Management Practices Package
Stakeholders:
As you are aware, the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council (SWFRPC) is a member of the Solar
Ready II (SRII) team that is participating in the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative Rooftop
Solar Challenge (RSCII). Through SRII and RSCII, SWFRPC will implement solar energy best management
practices (BMPs) that will lead to more streamlined and standardized solar processes in addition to
making solar energy more cost competitive in their region.
Thank you for participating in the training and implementation event that was held on September 17th
and 18th. As a result of the Solar Ready Florida efforts, a Best Management Practices package has been
created to provide local jurisdictions tools to enhance processes as it relates to solar.
Please use this package to implement one or all of the following best management practices identified
by the Solar Ready Stakeholder Committee:
1. Model Zoning Ordinance
2. Solar Ready Construction Guidelines
3. Simplified Solar Permit Checklist and Application
As a grant requirement, the SWFRPC is required to track implementation of the best management
practices. Please provide the SWFRPC with links or copies of the best management practices utilized by
your jurisdiction.
If you need assistance with implementation please contact Rebekah Harp at 239.338.2550 ext. 217 or
rharp@swfrpc.org
Sincerely,
Jennifer Pellechio
Deputy Director/Grants Manager
MODEL ZONING ORDINANCE
September 2014
Acknowledgment
The information, data, and work presented herein were funded in part by the U.S. Department
of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Program, under Award Number DEEE00006310.
Disclaimer
The information, data and work presented herein were funded in part by the U.S. Department
of Energy (DOE), an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States
Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express
or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or
usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its
use would not infringe upon privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific
commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise
does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the
United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed
herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency
thereof.
Solar Ready Florida Model Zoning Ordinance
ORDINANCE NO. 2014-
AN ORDINANCE OF THE JURISDICTION OF
, FLORIDA,
PERTAINING TO THE ZONING CODE; AMENDING CHAPTER
, “ZONING CODE,” TO CREATE A SECTION ENTITLED
“ROOFTOP PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR SYSTEMS,” PROVIDING FOR ROOFTOP
PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR SYSTEMS AS PERMITTED ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE JURISDICTION OF
SECTION 1.
Chapter
, FLORIDA:
of the Code of Ordinances of the JURISDICTION of
Florida, entitled “Zoning Code,” is hereby amended to create a new Section
entitled
,
“Rooftop
Photovoltaic Solar Systems,” to read as follows:
SEC.
ROOFTOP PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR SYSTEMS.
(1)
Intent. The provisions contained herein are intended to promote the health, safety, and
general welfare of the citizens by removing barriers to the installation of alternative energy systems and
encourage the installation of rooftop photovoltaic solar systems [pursuant to the U.S. Department of
Energy Rooftop Solar Challenge Agreement Number DE-EE0006309 (“Go SOLAR - Florida Rooftop Solar
Challenge II”) on buildings and structures within municipal limits. The provisions and exceptions
contained herein are limited to web based applications for pre-approved rooftop photovoltaic solar
system installations that utilize the Go SOLAR-Florida online permitting process.]
(2)
Definitions.
For purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the meaning
prescribed herein:
(a)
Roof Line: The top edge of the roof which forms the top line of the building silhouette
or, for flat roofs with or without a parapet, the top of the roof.
(b)
Rooftop photovoltaic solar system: A system which uses one (1) or more photovoltaic
panels installed on the surface of a roof, parallel to a sloped roof or surface- or rack-mounted on a
flat roof, to convert sunlight into electricity.
(3)
Permitted accessory
equipment. Rooftop photovoltaic solar systems shall be deemed
permitted accessory equipment to [residential and commercial] conforming and nonconforming
buildings and structures in all zoning categories. Nothing contained in this chapter, including design
standards or guidelines included or referenced herein, shall be deemed to prohibit the installation of
rooftop photovoltaic solar systems as accessory equipment to conforming and nonconforming buildings,
including buildings containing nonconforming uses.
(4)
Height. In order to be deemed permitted accessory equipment, the height of rooftop
photovoltaic solar systems shall not exceed the Roof Line, as defined herein. For flat roofs with or
without a parapet, in order to be deemed accessory equipment, the rooftop photovoltaic solar system
shall not be greater than five (5) feet above the roof.
(5)
Permits. Prior to the issuance of a permit, the property owner(s) must acknowledge,
aspart of the permit application, that: (a) if the property is located in a homeowners’
association, condominium association, or otherwise subject to restrictive covenants, the property may
be subject to additional regulations or requirements despite the issuance of a permit by the
JURISDICTION; and (b) the issuing of said permit for a rooftop photovoltaic solar system does not
create in the property owner(s), its, his, her, or their successors and assigns in title, or create in the
property itself a right to remain free of shadows and/or obstructions to solar energy caused by
development adjoining on other property or the growth of any trees or vegetation on
other
property or the right to prohibit the development on or growth of any trees or vegetation on another
property.
(6)
Tree Maintenance and removal. To the extent that the JURISDICTION has discretion
regarding the removal or relocation of trees, solar access shall be a factor taken into consideration when
determining whether and where trees may be removed or relocated.
(7)
Maintenance. The rooftop photovoltaic solar system shall be properly maintained and
be kept free from hazards, including but not limited to, faulty wiring, loose fastenings, being in an unsafe
condition or detrimental to public health, safety, or general welfare.
SECTION 2.
SEVERABILITY.
If any portion of this Ordinance is determined by any Court to be invalid, the invalid portion shall
be stricken, and such striking shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Ordinance. If any Court
determines that this Ordinance, or any portion hereof, cannot be legally applied to any individual(s),
group(s), entity(ies), property(ies), or circumstance(s), such determination shall not affect the
applicability hereof to any other individual, group, entity, property, or circumstance.
SECTION 3.
INCLUSION IN CODE.
It is the intention of the Board of JURISDICTION Commissioners that the provisions of this
Ordinance shall become and be made a part of the JURISDICTION Code; and that the sections of this
Ordinance may be renumbered or relettered and the word "ordinance" may be changed to "section,"
"article," or such other appropriate word or phrase in order to accomplish such intentions.
SECTION 4.
EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Ordinance shall become effective as provided by law.
ENACTED
FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE
EFFECTIVE
Coding: Words in struck-through type are deletions from existing text.
additions.
Words in underscored type are
CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES
September 2014
Solar Ready Construction Guidelines for the
(City/Town/Other) of ___________
These voluntary guidelines have been adopted by the (City/Town/Other) of ________ to
provide to developers in the design and construction of new residential buildings. By
incorporating these guidelines early in the design process, developers can make new homes
solar ready without adding unduly to the cost of new construction. Homeowners in solar-ready
buildings can make the decision to install solar later with less difficulty and at lower cost.
1. Orientation and Location of Building
1.1 Orient Roofs to Face the South. Buildings should be oriented to afford a south-facing
roof and designed in a way that minimizes the obtrusiveness of solar panels that may be
located on the south face of the roof.
1.2 Avoid Shading. Buildings should be designed in such a way that there is no shading to
the south. Shade tree species should be selected and planting locations identified that
will allow trees to shade windows and walls but not the identified solar collector
location on the roof (See the FAQ – How do I balance shade trees and solar?)
2. Roof Design
2.1 Preserve Rooftop Space for Solar Collectors. The south-facing portion of the roof
should include a contiguous area, free of rooftop obstruction, of sufficient size to allow
for a solar system. At minimum, an area of several square feet (100 sq. ft. per kW)
should be identified. Residential solar systems in Florida may cover up to 1,000 square
feet of roof space. (See the FAQ – How much rooftop space does solar need?)
2.2 Flat Roof Configuration. For flat roofs, designers should ensure that the building has
adequate roof access, and should consider integrating rooftop safety equipment such as
guardrails when appropriate. The area identified for solar collection should be near the
middle of the roof, away from any parapets to avoid shading. Any rooftop HVAC
equipment should be positioned to avoid conflicting with the location of the solar
collector.
2.3 Pitched Roof Configuration. For pitched roofs, designers should take into account the
degree of pitch that would maximize the generation of solar panels located flush against
the roof. In Southwest Florida, an optimal roof pitch for solar is 25° to 28°. (See the FAQ
– Why is this the right pitch?)
2.4 Allow for additional weight. The roof should be adequately reinforced to allow for the
additional weight, including both the weight of the solar systems itself and the impact of
wind loads. Solar PV systems add 3-6 lbs. per square foot to the dead load of a roof, and
up to 45 lbs. at specific attachment points. If a ballasted system is installed on a flat
roof, it may add up to 20-30 lbs. per square foot to the roof’s dead load.
2.5 Record Roof Reinforcements. Any reinforcements to the roof should be recorded on
official drawings, such as the code sheet, for the benefit of solar developers.
3. Inverter & Mechanical Systems
3.1 Reserve Wall Space for Inverter. A 3’x3’ area of wall space next to the building’s main
electrical panel, with an additional 3’ of clearance space in front of the wall, should be
reserved for the installation of an inverter. To minimize voltage loss, the meter box and
reserved inverter space should be located just below the rooftop space reserved for the
solar collector.
3.2 Install Conduit. Metallic conduit at least 2” in diameter should be installed that will run
through the building from the area identified for the inverter to the area identified for
the solar collector.
3.3 Leave Room for PV Breaker. The electric panel should include the necessary space for a
power input breaker at the opposite end of the electric service panel from the main
breaker.
3.4 Provide Adequate Home Electrical Service. Electrical service of at least 200 amperes in
residential buildings is preferable to ensure that PV power generation can be
accommodated.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I balance shade trees and solar?
Some municipalities may encourage the planting of shade trees on the south side of homes in order to
provide shade and reduce cooling loads. However, solar cannot be installed cost-effectively on a shaded
roof. There is a direct trade-off between shading a home’s roof with trees and preserving the ability to
install rooftop solar. One strategy to deal with this is to encourage the planting of tree species that will
not grow high enough to shade a home’s roof, but will still shade windows and walls or to encourage
other “green” building techniques that minimize cooling loads.
2.How much rooftop space does solar need?
As a rough guide, solar panels produce 1 kW of energy per 100 square feet. In Florida, a 10 KW system—
the largest that can easily be installed by a Florida homeowner under current policies and regulations—
would take up approximately 1,000 square feet of roof space. With Florida’s solar resources, a 10 KW
would produce roughly 13,600 kWh every year, just under the average statewide household
consumption of 15,000 kWh. Many homeowners choose to install a smaller system that does not
completely offset their energy usage, but these will still require several hundred square feet of rooftop
space.
3. Why is this the right pitch?
In general, the pitch of a solar system should be equal to the latitude at which the system is installed. In
Florida, latitudes range from 24.5° to the south in Key West to 30.3° to the north in Jacksonville. Pitch is
less critical to maximizing solar output than orientation and shading, though, and there is some
flexibility for solar-ready homes in this regard.
SOLAR PERMIT CHECKLIST
September 2014
Simplified Solar Permit Checklist and
Application for the (City/Town/Other) of
___________
This simplified permitting checklist and application has been adopted by the (City/Town/Other)
of ________ to facilitate the installation of small solar photovoltaic systems. Section 1 provides
a permitting decision timeline and information on fees and submission. Applicants wishing to
receive a permit under the simplified solar application process must first verify that the
proposed project is eligible via the checklist in Section 2 and the must supply all information
requested under Section 3.
Section 1. Timeline, Fees, and Submission
This application may be submitted via email to __________________. It may also be submitted
in person at ____________________.
The fee for application processing is $XX, due at time of submission and payable via
______________.
Permit determinations will be issued within 14 days of receipt of a complete application and
fee. Notice of an incomplete application will be provided within 7 days of receipt. If an
inspection is required, it will be scheduled within 7 days of inspection request.
Section 2. Streamlined Permit Eligibility Checklist
Verify that the proposed installation complies with each item in the eligibility checklist below. If
the installation does not comply with any item, the project cannot be permitted under this
streamlined process and must be permitted through the (City/Town/Other) of ________’s
standard permitting process. Any violations identified in the inspection process must be
addressed and are subject to penalty.
☐ 1. CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS
The contractor performing the solar installation holds the necessary licenses and permits
to perform this work in this jurisdiction, including (list specific licensing requirements in
jurisdiction).
☐ 2. MAXIMUM CAPACITY
The capacity of the proposed PV project is less than 10 KW.
☐ 3. PROJECT LOCATION
The proposed PV project will be a rooftop system.
☐ 4. PROJECT CODE COMPLIANCE
The structure that the proposed project will be mounted on is code-compliant and the
proposed solar installation is compliant with all relevant fire and electrical codes, including
setback requirements
☐ 5. ZONING VARIANCE
The proposed solar installation will not require a zoning variance.
☐ 6. EQUIPMENT STANDARDS
The proposed solar system has been certified by the Florida Solar Energy Center.
☐ 7. WEIGHT LIMIT
The system will have a distributed weight of less than 5 pounds per square foot and less
than 45 pounds per attachment point to roof.
☐ 7. MODULE TILT
To mitigate wind loads, the proposed system will be mounted flush against the roof
surface or tilted with no more than an 18 inch gap between the module frame and the roof
surface.
☐ 8. ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
The proposed solar installation is composed of 4 series strings or less.
☐ 9. HISTORIC/ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
The proposed solar installation is not located on a building subject to historic or
architectural review.
Section 3. Streamlines Permit Application
1. SITE OWNER INFORMATION
Site Owner Contact Information
Name: _______________________________ Phone: __________ Email:
______________________
Site Address
Street: __________________________________________ City: _______________
Zipcode: _______
Parcel ID: ______________________
2. SITE INFORMATION
Building Type:
☐Residential
☐Commercial
Number of floors: ___________
Roofing Material: ______________________ Weatherproofing Method:
_______________________
3. CONTRACTOR INFORMATION
Contractor Contact Information
Company Name: _______________________ Phone: __________ Email:
______________________
Business Address
Street: __________________________________________ City: _______________
Zipcode: _______
License #: ______________________
4. SOLAR SYSTEM INFORMATION
Module Information
Quantity: ___ Manufacturer: ________________________ Model:
___________________________
Inverter Information
Quantity: ___ Manufacturer: ________________________ Model:
___________________________
Mounting System Information
Manufacturer: ____________________________________ Model:
___________________________
Is the mounting system an engineered product designed to mount solar panels?
☐Yes
☐No (provide structural attachment details in a letter certified by a design
professional
System Weight/Arrangement
Total weight of module and rails (lbs): ________
Number of Attachment Points: ______________
Weight per attachment point (lbs):
__________
Maximum spacing between attachment points (inches): ______________
Total surface areas of modules (sqft): _________
Module weight per sqft (lbs):
_______________
5. SITE PLAN
Provide a site plan showing the location of solar system components and other equipment
on structure (including, but not limited to, the solar array with orientation and tilt noted,
electrical service connection, utility meter, and inverter).
6. ELECTRICAL DIAGRAM
Provide an electrical diagram showing PV array configuration, wiring system, overcurrent
protection, inverter, disconnects, required signs, and ac connection to building.
7. MANUFACTURER SPEC SHEETS
Provide manufacturer spec sheets for all system components.
8. WIND LOAD CALCULATIONS
Provide the wind uplift zone (per ASCE-7) of the roof where the solar system is to be
installed and the wind uplift pressure for that zone. Provide documentation that the
proposed system is able to meet calculated load.