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 Harlem
 Code of Ordinances
 Part III. LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE
 Chapter 110. SOLAR LAND USE

  § 110-3. Categories of solar land uses.  

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  • The terms and definitions provided in this section refer to the types of principal and accessory solar land uses that are regulated by the provisions of this chapter. For purposes of categorizing and defining solar land uses, the terms herein may be considered "umbrella" in nature, meaning that they encompass a wide variety of utility scale solar collection, conversion and transmission systems for off-site power consumption as well as small-scale individual systems intended for on-site power consumption for uses such as a residence or business. Some of the terms provided in this section are augmented by supporting figures, and/or representative illustrations.

    Solar energy system means a system capable of collecting and converting solar radiant energy (through direct, diffuse, and/or reflective collection) into heat, mechanical, or electrical energy and transfers the produced electricity into a separate apparatus to store or to a point of use which include, but are not limited to, water heaters, interior space heaters or coolers, or electrical energy generation. Solar energy systems primarily consist of solar collection devices and mechanical equipment related to solar energy (transformers, inverters, etc.).

    Solar energy system, principal (PSES) means a solar energy system which is the principal or primary use on a single lot or parcel which is used to collect and convert solar energy into usable electricity using on-site equipment for the primary purpose of transmitting electricity off-site to be used by an electric utility. These systems include all uses defined by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) under code 221114, which includes solar farms. (See figures B.1 and B.2)

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    Figure B.1. A principal solar energy system may occupy an entire lot

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    Figure B.2. A property owner may choose to subdivide their property and place a solar farm on one of the newly created lots thus creating a principal use for that lot.

    Solar energy system, accessory (ASES), means a solar energy system that is an accessory use to the principal use of a property, meaning it is incidental to the principal use and is subordinate in area or purpose. Accessory systems may be roof-mounted, ground-mounted or parking-mounted. (See figures C.1 and C.2.)

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    Figure C.1. Accessory solar energy systems may include building-mounted and/or ground-mounted systems, as shown in this illustration. They may be allowed in front, side or rear yards, although some restrictions may apply.

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    Figure C.2. Accessory solar energy systems can also include parking-mounted systems, as illustrated above. An accessory system can include any combination of building-mounted, ground-mounted or parking-mounted systems, subject to additional conditions.

(Ord. No. 1802, § 156.003, 3-26-2018)