Solar Energy

The town's zoning code defines "solar access," "building-integrated solar energy systems," "building-mounted solar energy systems," "freestanding solar energy systems," "passive solar energy systems," and "solar farms" (§158-6).

Permits building-mounted solar energy systems occupying less than one acre or 50% of lot area by right in all zoning districts (Chapter 158 Attachment 1), subject to standards addressing the following (§158-30.C(2)):

• height
• setbacks
• placement
• aesthetics

Permits freestanding solar energy systems occupying less than once acre or 50% of lot area by site plan review in all zoning districts and solar farms (i.e., all systems occupying at least one acre or more than 50% of lot area) by special use permit in all but two zoning districts (§158-130.A(1); Chapter 158 Attachment 1), subject to standards addressing the following (§158-30.C(1)):

• planning board considerations for siting requirements
• minimum lot size

All building-mounted and freestanding systems must comply with standards addressing the following:

• planning board option to assess visual impacts and glare (§158-30.C(3))
• standards and certification (§158-30.D)
• utility connection (§158-30.E)
• abandonment (§158-30.F)
• building permits (§158-30.G)

Exempts building-integrated and passive solar energy systems from use-specific standards (§158-30.A(3)).

Prohibits new structures or vegetation that limit direct solar access across more than 50% of the ground surface on adjoining lots to less than six hours per day on any day of the year (§158-30.H).