solar energy

The city's historic districts ordinance in its building regulations notes that the commission shall consider the state's policy of encouraging solar energy use when ruling on solar energy certificate applications (§18-99(c)).

The city's zoning code includes a section on special regulations for solar facilities (Appendix A §7-9). It includes a purpose statement (§7.9.1) and numerous definitions for various types of solar energy systems and related terms (§7.9.3). Large scale ground mounted solar facilities are allowed in all zones as-of-right with site plan review; small scale ground mounted and roof mounted systems are allowed as-of-right in all zones with a building permit (§7.9.4). The code details site plan review submittal requirements (§7.9.5.1) and design standards, which address screening, lighting, signage, utility connections, appurtenant structures, emergency services, and unauthorized access (§7.9.5.2). Environmental standards address land clearing, rare and endangered species, wetlands, stormwater, and water resource protection (§7.9.5.3). The code also addresses monitoring and maintenance (§7.9.8) as well as abandonment and decommissioning; financial surety is required (§7.9.9).