Solar Energy

The town's zoning code includes special regulations for small and large solar energy systems and addresses the appropriateness of solar on historic buildings. It defines and includes special regulations for small and large solar energy systems (§8.80).

Small-scale solar energy systems are permitted as a by-right accessory use in all zoning districts to generate energy used on site; a building permit is required. Standards address setbacks for residential and nonresidential districts, appearance, and removal; specific locational and installation standards are given for roof-mounted and ground-mounted systems (§8.80.1). In business and industrial districts, site plan review is required for small-scale solar energy systems (§5.20, §6.20).

Large-scale systems 250 kW or larger are allowed in industrial districts subject to site plan review; a building permit is required. The zoning code provides a list of required application documents and provides standards that address dimension and density requirements, accessory structures, design standards, safety and environmental standards, monitoring and maintenance, and abandonment or decommissioning (§8.80.2).

In the town code's chapter on historic preservation, solar energy systems are addressed in the considerations in determining appropriateness (§46-83). Certificates of appropriateness for renewable energy features such as solar energy systems may not be denied unless the feature will substantially impair the historic character and appearance of the district; the commission may stipulate design modifications and location limitations which do not significantly impair the effectiveness of the system.