Page 168 - Des Moines - Zoning, Planning and Design Ch 134, 135
P. 168
135-1. BUilDiNG tYPeS DRAFT
Accessory Structures
be no less than 36 inches or no higher than parallel to the roof surface of a flat roof.
48 inches from the top of the surface where c. Systems shall not extend more than 5 feet
mounted and shall contain a retraction above the highest peak of a pitched roof.
device or a place to hang cords and
connectors above the ground surface. 4. Location on Structure. Allowed on the following:
c. Equipment shall be protected by wheel a. Any roof face.
stops or concrete-filled bollards. b. Side and rear building facades.
d. Stations located within parking lots or c. Roof of any parking canopy.
garages may be included in the calculation 5. Projection. The system may project off a roof
of the minimum required parking spaces edge or building facade as follows.
required.
6. The station shall have complete instructions and a. May project laterally from a building facade
or roof edge a maximum of 3.5 feet.
appropriate warnings posted in an unobstructed
location next to each station. b. May project into an interior side or interior
7. Vehicle charging equipment must be designed rear setback, but shall be no closer than
5 feet to the interior side or interior rear
and located so as to not impede pedestrian, property line.
bicycle or wheelchair movement, or create safety
hazards on sidewalks. 6. Signs. Signage or writing of any kind is not
8. Maintenance. Electric vehicle charging stations permitted on any portion of system, other than
required manufacturer plates and safety labeling.
must be maintained in all respects, including the
functioning of the equipment. F. Solar - Freestanding. A solar energy system with a
c. Mechanical equipment. Heating and air supporting framework that is placed on, or anchored
in, the ground and that is independent of any
conditioning equipment and outdoor utility building or other structure.
equipment stored on the ground for the ordinary
function of a building or use. See 135-2.5 for 1. Output. The system shall produce less than one
screening requirements. megawatt of electricity.
D. cistern and rainwater collection System. 2. Size. A system in any MX, N, or NX district shall
Systems for the collection and reuse of rainwater. not exceed either the area of 50 percent of the
1. A rainwater collection system is exempted from principal building footprint or 600 square feet,
whichever is greater.
4
inclusion in the site impervious area calculation.
2. Below ground systems may be located in any 3. Maximum Height. The system shall be as close
to the ground as practicable, and not taller than
yard. 20 feet on lots of at least 5 acres in the I districts,
e. Solar - Building-Mounted. A solar energy system 12 feet on lots of at least 5 acres, and 6 feet on
that is affixed to or an integral part of a principal all other lots, all measured from the grade at
or accessory building, including but not limited to the base of the pole to the highest edge of the
photo-voltaic or hot water solar energy systems system.
which are contained within roofing materials, 4. Clearance. Minimum clearance between the
windows, skylights, and awnings. lowest point of the system and the surface on
1. Quantity. The total square footage may not which the system is mounted is 3 feet.
exceed the total area of roof surface of the 5. Location. Allowed in the interior side yard and
structure to which the system is attached. interior rear yard only.
2. Flush Mounted System. Systems should be less 6. For any property designated as historic or
than 4 inches from the roof surface whenever located within a historic district, such system
possible. shall be located in the rear yard.
3. Height 7. Setbacks. All parts of the freestanding system
a. Systems shall not extend beyond 3 feet shall be set back a minimum of 5 feet from the
parallel to the roof surface of a pitched roof. interior side and interior rear property lines and
b. Systems shall not extend beyond 4 feet 4 Revisit the size constraints
135-1-76 DRAFT AuGuST 3, 2017
