Solar Energy

The town's zoning code establishes a number of design guidelines for siting and maintaining buildings and vegetation to maximize solar access for the use of solar energy systems. It provides several solar-related terms in its definitions section (§217-5).

The zoning code outlines development guidelines and supplementary regulations for solar energy systems and solar access (§217-73). All new developments of 10 acres or more should be designed so the maximum number of buildings receive sufficient sunlight for the use of solar energy systems. Solar access can be a factor in consideration of dimensional modifications. Guidelines define the extent of solar access that is protected and offer a number of strategies for maximum solar orientation including road orientation, building orientation and placement, and consideration of slope. Existing vegetation is to be retained to the greatest possible extent.

The zoning code also establishes development review for preliminary site plans which includes the adequacy of building orientation and site design for solar access protection for the use of solar energy systems (§217-52.E.10).