Solar Energy

The town's municipal code permits accessory solar energy systems in all districts by right and principal-use solar facilities on certain lands with special permit approval. It includes an article on renewable energy systems that addresses solar energy production facilities, restricting their placement to land that has been previously cleared or used for agricultural purposes (§85-812). Principal-use solar facilities require special permit approval and may be sited in certain residential districts; accessory solar facilities require a building permit but a special permit is also required for systems in certain areas, including historic districts (§85-813). Accessory systems are permitted in all districts, and solar carports are permitted for parking facilities (§85-813.C). The municipal code lays out special permit requirements for principal-use solar facilities that address minimum lot area, maximum lot coverage, height and setbacks, design standards, and signs (§85-813.B). The code also addresses abandonment, requiring a decommissioning plan and performance bond; facilities must be removed and the site restored after cessation of operations for 18 months (§85-813.E).

The municipal code also provides for additional special permit criteria for principal-use solar energy production facilities in the Planned Conservation Overlay District that restrict location to previously cleared or agricultural lands, provide various site and design standards, and require a decommissioning plan and performance bond (§85-709).

The municipal code provides for a solar fast-track permit application (§85-13.B). It lists requirements for eligible system installations and describes permit application materials. Determinations are made within 14 days of receipt.

The municipal code offers two programs under an Energy initiative, the Green Homes Initiative and the Go Solar Initiative, that provide financing to owners of single-family residential property for constructing energy-efficiency improvements or installing solar panels on the property (§7C-1 et seq.).