Solar Energy

The town's bylaws permit large-scale ground-mounted solar system installations as-of-right in the industrial district and provides standards; accessory roof-mounted solar system installations are allowed in all districts. It defines large-scale ground-mounted systems as those systems on parcels of at least 20 acres with rated capacity of at least 250 kW (§240-163). These systems are permitted as-of-right in the industrial district subject to standards (§240-31). Development plan approval and building permit approvals are required (§240-165); the code provides information on the building permit application process (§240-166).

Design standards address lighting, signage, utility connections, accessory structures, dimensional and density requirements, setbacks, and land clearing/soil erosion/habitat impacts (§240-167). Safety and environmental standards address coordination with emergency services, security fencing, and maintenance requirements (§240-168).

The town bylaws also notes that accessory roof-mounted solar installations are not prevented in any district (§240-169). Financial surety is required for decommissioning (§240-170). Systems may be constructed by right on any municipal property regardless of zoning district (§240-171).