A small wind energy system or solar energy system that is out of service for a continuous twelve-month period will be deemed to have been abandoned.

The Zoning Officer may issue a notice of abandonment to the owner. The notice shall be sent via regular and certified mail, return receipt requested to the owner of record.

The owner shall have the right to respond to the notice of abandonment within 30 days from the notice receipt date.

If the owner provides the Zoning Officer with information demonstrating that the small wind energy system or solar energy system has not been abandoned, to the satisfaction of the Zoning Officer, the Zoning Officer shall withdraw the notice of abandonment and notify the owner that the notice has been withdrawn.

If the Zoning Officer determines that the small wind energy system or solar energy system has been abandoned, the owner shall remove the system at the owner's sole expense within six months after the owner receives the notice of abandonment.

If the system is not removed within six months of receipt of notice from the City of Northfield notifying the owner of such abandonment, the City may remove the system as set forth below.

When an owner of a wind or solar energy system has been notified to remove same and has not done so six months after receiving said notice, then the City may remove such system and place a lien upon the property for the cost of the removal. If removed by the owner, a demolition permit shall be obtained prior to the system being removed and the facility shall thereafter be removed. Upon removal, the site shall be cleaned, restored and revegetated to blend with the existing surrounding vegetation at the time of abandonment. This subsection shall not be construed to limit the City's right to exercise any other legal and/or equitable right the City may have pursuant to any other applicable law or regulation or rule, or under the common law.