TOWNSHIP OF MOUNT LAUREL
ORDINANCE #2013-7
AN ORDINANCE SUPPLEMENTING AND AMENDING THE LAND USE
ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MOUNT LAUREL BY
CONDITIONALLY PERMITTING ROOF-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY
SYSTEMS IN RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS.
WHEREAS, a purpose of the Municipal Land Use Law (NJSA 40:55D-2.n) is “to
promote utilization of renewable energy sources”, and
WHEREAS, the Township Council desires to standardize the requirements for roofmounted solar energy systems in the Township’s land development ordinance
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Council of the
Township of Mount Laurel that the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of
Mount Laurel are hereby amended as follows:
SECTION 1: The Land Use Ordinance of the Township of Mount Laurel, Section
154-5, “Definitions and Word Usage,” is supplemented by adding the following
definitions:
GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM: an elevated panel or plate, or a
canopy or array thereof that captures and converts solar radiation to produce power,
and includes flat plate, focusing solar collectors, or photovoltaic solar cells that uses
solar energy as it fuel; is ground-mounted and designed to be permanently-affixed to
the ground on either a part of or all of the power beneficiary’s premises; is designed
and intended primarily to offset part or all of the beneficiary’s requirements for
energy consumption on site.
ROOF-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM: an elevated panel or plate, or a
canopy or array thereof that captures and converts solar radiation to produce power,
and includes flat plate, focusing solar collectors, or photovoltaic solar cells that uses
solar energy as it fuel; is located on the roof of a power beneficiary’s premises; is
designed and intended primarily to offset part or all of the beneficiary’s requirements
for energy consumption on site.
SECTION 2: The Land Use Ordinance of the Township of Mount Laurel, Section
154-21, “Conditional Uses” in the Township’s residential districts, is supplemented
by adding the following:
E) Roof-mounted Minor Solar Energy System, provided the following standards
are met:
1. Roof-mounted Minor Solar Energy Systems shall be installed only on the
principal building of the property.
2. A roof-mounted Minor Solar Energy System shall be mounted parallel to the
roof angle and shall not exceed a height of three (3) feet above the edge of the
roof line or above the highest point of the roof surface or structure.
3. A roof-mounted Minor Solar Energy System that is to be mounted on a flat
roof may be angled to achieve maximum sun exposure but shall not exceed
five (5) feet above the roof.
4. In no instance shall any part of a roof-mounted Minor Solar Energy System
extend beyond the roof edge.
5. An external disconnect switch shall be provided, and the owner must file a
map with the Township Fire and Police Departments clearly showing where
the disconnect switch is located. The location of the external disconnect
switch must be reviewed and approved by both the Township Fire and Police
Departments prior to installation.
SECTION 3: The Land Use Ordinance of the Township of Mount Laurel, Article
III, Section 154 (residential districts) is supplemented by adding the following
section:
§ 154-22 – Prohibited Uses
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a) Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems
SECTION 4: Severability. If this ordinance or any part thereof is held to be
unconstitutional, null, void or ineffective by a court of competent jurisdiction, or
otherwise, same shall not be deemed to affect the validity or constitutionality of the
balance of the ordinance or the remaining parts of same.
SECTION 5: Repealer. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with the
provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed repealed to the extent of said
inconsistency as of the effective date of this Ordinance.
SECTION 6: Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect upon final passage
and publication as provided by law.
Introduction Date: June 24, 2013
MOTION
AYE
NAY
ABSTAINED ABSENT
TRANSMITTED
D’Antonio
Edelson
Solomon
Bobo
Keenan
Publication Date: June 27, 2013
Public Hearing Date: July 22, 2013
MOTION
AYE
NAY
ABSTAINED ABSENT
TRANSMITTED
D’Antonio
Edelson
Solomon
Bobo
Keenan
TOWNSHIP OF MOUNT LAUREL
BY:__________________________________
Linda Bobo, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Meredith Tomczyk, Township Clerk
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