Solar Energy

The town's municipal code permit solar energy systems, protect solar access, and incentivizes residential solar development.

The municipal code permits accessory solar energy systems (freestanding or rooftop-mounted) in all districts by right and principal solar energy systems by right in agricultural districts and multiple nonresidential districts (§17.04.4.2.5). Use-specific standards permit rooftop systems to exceed district building heights and short freestanding systems to encroach in required setbacks.

The municipal code code addresses solar access, establishing three solar access zones within the town (§17.05.5.12). Shading based on solar fence heights is prohibited in SA zone I and SA zone II; there are no restrictions in SA zone III except for shading adjacent residential properties (§17.96.040). It defines several solar-related terms (§17.08.8.3).

The municipal code establishes a Residential Efficient Building Program that requires achieving a certain amount of points based on the size of the structure or addition (§18-11). Sites must have solar access from the south from 10AM to 2PM and must be prewired and preplumbed for solar hot water and electricity; various points may be earned for sun-tempered design, passive solar design, solar hot water systems (size based on number of bedrooms), and onsite solar PV systems (§18-11-140). In addition, homes over 5,000 SF in size must install a renewable energy system, take part in an off-site solar energy program, or pay a substantial fee (starting at $37,500); exterior energy use must be offset by renewable sources or a fee (§18-11-170).