Solar Energy

The town's zoning code includes a section on solar photovoltaic facilities (SPFs) that allows for the creation of new large-scale ground-mounted PV facilities (§500-26.1). SPFs are allowed in the Limited Industrial district by right and with a special permit in Single-Family Residential districts. The code defines large-scale ground-mounted SPFs as systems with a capacity greater than 250 kW. General requirements include building permit requirement, detailed requirements for site plan submission, operations and maintenance plan, utility notification, dimension and density requirements addressing setbacks and appurtenant structures, design standards addressing lighting and signage, safety and environmental standards, monitoring and maintenance, abandonment and decommissioning, and financial surety requirement.

The town's requirements for special permits recommend a narrative report to explain site plans and note that arrangement of structures, including solar orientation, should be addressed (§810-8.F.11.d).