City of Peekskill, NY

Initial Status: City uses a standard building permit application form; nothing specific to solar

Guidance: Consider adopting the NYS Unified Solar Permit, which simplifies permitting for PV systems under 12kW.

Initial Status: Application form is available online, by email, or in person

Initial Status: In person submittal is required, in addition to electronic submittal for projects over $20K valuation

Guidance: Allow email submittal of permit application forms for qualifying projects, particularly those using the Unified Permit if adopted per goal P1-NY.

Initial Status: Only a single submittal is required

Initial Status: The City website has info on the permit process, though nothing specific to solar

Guidance: Permitting and inspection information is found under the "Building / Code Enforcement" section of the website and includes downloadable forms, fee information, and contact info. Consider adding info on solar specific processes or standards, if applicable.

Initial Status: Typical turnaround times unknown, TBD

Guidance: Consider an expedited or over-the-counter permit approval process for qualifying PV projects meeting certain eligibility criteria.

Initial Status: Valuation based at 1% of project cost plus $50 for Certificate of Occupancy plus $50 for electrical

Action Taken: Town adopted reduction by 50% of valuation based fees for solar installation.

Guidance: Current fee levels are reasonable for solar installations

Initial Status: Valuation based at 1% of project cost plus $50 for Certificate of Occupancy plus $50 for electrical

Guidance: Though reasonable, this could become cost prohibitive for larger commercial installations, particularly those over about 30kW. Consider capping the permit fee for commercial solar projects.

Initial Status: Typical turnaround time unknown, TBD

Guidance: Perform inspection within 2 business days of request.

Initial Status: Appointment format unknown, TBD

Guidance: Provide an appointment window of 2 hours or less if possible. Provide real time updates prior to arrival so contractor is aware and prepared.

Initial Status: Only a final inspection is required

Initial Status: No inspection checklist currently in use

Guidance: Utilize a standard inspection checklist for PV systems. The checklist serves as a guide for inspectors and installers containing points of emphasis and common issues.

Initial Status: Structural PE approval is required for all systems

Guidance: For qualifying residential systems on code approved residences meeting certain criteria, consider allowing an exemption from structural analysis or structural PE stamp requirements. This follows the guidance in the Unified Solar Permit, where an exemption from the PE letter is allowed if checklist questions #11-13 are satisfied and if the installation uses an engineered racking system.

Initial Status: 2010 Residential Code of New York State and the 2008 National Electrical Code

Guidance: Though the City is a couple code cycles behind, building officials seem knowledgeable on current solar standards. For ongoing education, see the links under the 'Take Action' button at right.

Initial Status: State law allows for creation of solar easements and solar access provisions in local zoning code

Guidance: Consider creating local ordinances which would protect solar access by ensuring property remains shade-free and establishing a process for creating, registering, and enforcing solar easements.

Initial Status: The Zoning portion of the City Code has some encouragement for solar access

Guidance: Consider taking the next step by exploring creation of municipal ordinances which require new homes and buildings to be built solar-ready. See examples under the 'Take Action' link at right.

Initial Status: City developed a Greenhouse Gas and Climate Action Plan (2012)

Initial Status: Zoning code does not specifically address solar

Guidance: The existing design regulations do not seem to present any undue barriers to solar. Consider a review of the zoning codes and ordinances that govern solar installations, such as setbacks, height limits and lot use provisions, do not restrict property owners' ability to install solar.

Initial Status: Not clear whether any private groups in Peekskill have restrictive policies for solar - TBD

Guidance: Work with condo owner and homeowners associations to ensure that their covenant, conditions, and restrictions and bylaws do not create undue barriers to solar installations.

Initial Status: City is an Energy Improvement Corporation member, which allows EIC to offer financing for local projects

Guidance: Learn more here: http://energizeny.org/eic

Initial Status: Effective finance options are prevalent in Peekskill, and vendor provided finance is widely available

Initial Status: Some awareness within the community currently

Guidance: Publicize the availability of local solar finance options and solar evaluation tools for potential buyers. This can be done via webinars, marketing materials, or by providing links and information online.

Initial Status: No such programs have been deployed in Peekskill

Guidance: Support the creation of a working group of community leaders and funding providers. This group would evaluate options and determine the most viable approach for aggregating residential solar based on best practices to date. Follow the model used in the Solarize Westchester campaigns run in neighboring communities.

Initial Status: No such campaigns previously

Action Taken: City joined the Municipal Solar Buyers Group, though it seems no sites were included in the RFP

Initial Status: No known municipal solar installations to date

Action Taken: City explored solar via the Municipal Buyers Group

Guidance: Establish a working group to identify solar feasibility at landfills, water treatment plants, or other municipal properties. The Solar Roadmap team can help by evaluating solar potential at City properties.

Initial Status: Though the City publishes limited solar information, it is effectively promoted through Sustainable Westchester and other regional sources

Guidance: See related goal F7 for additional content which may be useful to residents looking to go solar

Initial Status: City is member of Sustainable Westchester.