12.14.250 Alternative energy infrastructure.
A. Purpose and Intent. This section is established to:
1. Promote clean energy production by citizens and businesses;
2. Ensure that alternative energy infrastructure is compatible with the development and development on adjacent properties;
3. Provide options to traditional energy use; and
4. Promote reduction of energy use within the city.
B. General Criteria. Alternative energy infrastructure shall meet all of the following criteria:
1. Setbacks. Alternative energy infrastructure shall not be located within any building setback or required setback, unless below grade or as allowed in BMC 12.14.070(E) for pad-mounted equipment and BMC 12.14.090(D) for panels that are components of roof structures.
2. Compliance with International Building Code. Any installation of an alternative energy system shall comply with any and all applicable provisions of the International Building Code.
3. Compliance with National Electrical Code. Any installation of an alternative energy system shall comply with any and all applicable provisions of the National Electrical Code.
4. Utility Notification. No alternative energy system shall be installed unless evidence has been provided to the city of Bothell that the utility company has been informed of the customer’s intent to install an interconnected customer-owned power generation system. Off-grid systems shall be exempt from this requirement.
5. Compliance with Environmental Regulations. Any installation of alternative energy infrastructure shall comply with all applicable environmental regulations.
C. Geothermal Infrastructure Criteria. In addition to the approval criteria established in subsection B of this section, geothermal alternative energy systems are encouraged and shall comply with the following standards:
1. Location. Geothermal infrastructure shall be located entirely within the subject property, or within appropriate easements.
2. Installation. Installation of geothermal infrastructure shall comply with all building department requirements, and applicable state laws and codes.
D. Solar and Wind Infrastructure. Alternative energy facilities, including solar and wind equipment, are encouraged, subject to the following provisions:
1. Solar and Wind Infrastructure Requirements.
a. Building-mounted solar and wind equipment shall be integrated into the structure’s architectural design. Techniques for achieving this include, but are not limited to, aligning equipment with a building’s structural or functional articulation, coordinating panel placement with other building features or using equipment to enhance a building’s architectural expression.
b. Roof-mounted solar and wind equipment may extend above the building height limit without screening, but shall be designed to avoid creating glare or blocking views and solar access to surrounding properties.
2. Solar and Wind Infrastructure Guidelines.
a. Use of solar panels to serve other functions, like weather protection, shading, building articulation and place-making, is encouraged.
b. Exposing solar and wind equipment in a way that enhances architectural design and demonstrates the viability of alternative energy is encouraged. (Ord. 2107 § 2 (Exh. B), 2012).