Town of North Castle, NY

Initial Status: There is a standard building permit application form, but nothing specific to PV currently

Guidance: Consider adopting the NY state application specific to PV

Initial Status: Permit application forms are available online

Guidance: If a standard PV application form is adopted per goal [P1], make this form available online in an easily accessible location.

Initial Status: Original, hard copies are currently required in person

Guidance: Allow email submittal of permit application forms for standard, qualifying projects.

Initial Status: Permit requires one application submittal

Initial Status: Permit process information is available online; inspection process currently not available

Guidance: Post information on the inspection process online in an easily accessible location. This should include the process steps, timelines, fees, point of contact, and any other pertinent information.

Initial Status: Typical permit turnaround time is unknown at this time

Guidance: Consider an expedited or over-the-counter permit approval process for qualifying PV projects using a standard application form (see goal P1). For all projects, issue or deny permit within 3 business days of submittal for residential and within 5 business days for commercial.

Initial Status: Valuation based fee typically >450

Guidance: Base residential permit fees on cost recovery, or if a flat fee is used keep the fee amount under $250.

Initial Status: Valuation based fee typically greater than $500

Guidance: Valuation based fee will become cost prohibitive for larger commercial systems. Consider basing the commercial permit fee on cost recovery, or if a flat fee is used keep the fee amount under $500.

Initial Status: Typical turnaround time from request to inspection is 6 - 10 days

Guidance: Consider performing inspection within 2 business days of request, especially for standard residential systems meeting certain qualifying criteria.

Initial Status: Inspection appointment window is unknown at this time

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: Separate final inspections for structural and electrical

Guidance: Require only one inspection visit. If additional inspections are required, conduct in a manner that does not require installer to halt work.

Initial Status: No inspection checklist in use currently

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. Ideally this is a regional document.

Initial Status: A structural PE stamp is currently required for both residential and commercial systems.

Guidance: For qualifying residential systems meeting certain criteria, allow an exemption from structural analysis or structural PE stamp requirements. See examples of criteria used by other communities under the 'Take Action' button at right.

Initial Status: Current codes are the 2008 NEC and state codes based on the 2009 ICC

Guidance: Though the Town is on an older code cycle, officials seem knowledgeable on current solar standards. See the 'Take Action' button at right for additional resources for ongoing solar-related education for building officials.

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

Guidance: Consider expanding solar rights through a 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: No solar ready standards in place currently

Guidance: Explore creation of municipal ordinances which require new homes and buildings to be built solar-ready.

Initial Status: Unknown at this time

Guidance: Include solar development goals in long term planning documents.

Initial Status: Height restrictions do not apply to solar systems and existing regulations do not restrict solar in any way

Initial Status: Local HOA do not restrict solar in any way

Initial Status: Town is a member of Sustainable Westchest and participates in the Energize Finance Program for commercially-owned properties

Guidance: Publicize the availability of local solar finance options and solar evaluation tools for potential buyers. Consider doing this by adding content to the Town's website.

Initial Status: Town has not explored aggregated procurement for residential sector.

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.

Initial Status: Town has explored procurement for the municipal sector

Guidance: Continue collaborating with agencies across the region to aggregate government facilities, including municipal buildings and schools, for solar evaluation and cost-effective procurement to demonstrate leadership and reduce energy costs while strengthening the economy and environment.

Initial Status: There are no known solar installations at municipal facilities.

Guidance: Establish a working group to identify solar feasibility at landfills, water treatment plants, or other municipal properties. Consider working with other local agencies on a collaborative procurement to reduce costs per goal [M3]. The Solar Roadmap team can help by evaluating solar potential at Town properties.

Initial Status: Town does not provide online solar resources to its constituents

Guidance: Help promote the availability of online tools and resources for the residential, commercial, and municipal solar markets through existing networks.

Initial Status: Town is a member of Sustainable Westchester.