Town of Ossining, NY
This webpage provides the latest resources and information available to help residents, businesses, installers and local governments expand the local solar market. The Town of Ossining is well positioned for explosive solar market growth due to a suite of aggressive renewable energy goals and supportive policies.
Transitioning to solar power not only provides environmental benefits like enhanced air quality, but it also delivers a host of economic benefits from green job creation and market development. Below, there is a direct link to the Town's interactive policy roadmap designed to increase local solar installations by making it easier and more cost-effective to ‘go solar’.
Community Profile
Roadmap
The Solar Roadmap team has worked in close coordination with the Town to develop a customized, interactive solar roadmap containing guidance on how to transform the local solar market. Each recommendation in the roadmap is supported with relevant reports, case studies, examples, and templates to support local and regional implementation efforts.
Permitting Process |
1 of 14 Goals In Progress 6 of 14 Goals Achieved |
[P1-NY] Adopt the NY State Unified Solar Permit(7)
Town is in the process of adopting the Unified Solar permit
[P2] Make Permit Application Form Available Online(176)
Permit application forms are available online
If a standard PV application form is adopted per goal [P1], make this form available online in an easily accessible location.
[P3] Allow Electronic Submittal of Application Form(87)
Original, hard copies are currently required in person
Allow email submittal of permit application forms for standard, qualifying projects.
[P4] Require only 1 Permit Application Submittal(164)
Only a single submittal is required.
[P5] Post Permit and Inspection Process Information and Fee Schedules Online(80)
Permit process information including point-of-contact and fee schedule is available online
[P6] Streamline Permit Processing Time and Allow Expedited Process for Qualifying Projects(75)
Permits are processed within 3 business days residential, 5 days commercial
Consider an expedited or over-the-counter permit approval process for qualifying PV projects using a standard application form, particularly if the NYS Unified Solar Permit Form is adopted per goal [P1].
[P7] Base Residential Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(85)
Fee is valuation based and typically >$300
Base residential permit fees on cost recovery, or if a flat fee is used keep the fee amount under $250.
[P8] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(55)
Fee is valuation based.
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.
[P9] Minimize Inspection Turnaround Time(147)
Typical turnaround time 3 -5 days for residential and >10 days for commercial systems
Consider performing inspection within 2 business days of request, especially for standard residential systems meeting certain qualifying criteria.
[P10] Offer Convenient Inspection Scheduling(94)
A 4 hour window is provided
If contractor is required to be on site for inspection, consider a method for alerting contractor of the inspector's status, such as a phone call or text when the inspector is headed for the site.
[P11] Require only 1 Inspection Visit(82)
Separate final inspections structural, electrical, and roof penetrations.
Require only a single permit inspection. If additional inspections are required during installation, conduct in a manner that does not require installer to halt work.
[P12] Adopt an Inspection Checklist(21)
Inspection checklist in use currently
The checklist serves as a guide for inspectors and installers containing points of emphasis and common issues. Ideally this is a regional document.
[P13] Allow a Structural Exemption for Qualifying Systems(41)
A structural PE stamp is currently required for both residential and commercial systems.
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.
[P14] Understand New Solar-Specific Building, Electrical, and Fire Codes(82)
Current codes are the 2008 NEC and state codes based on the 2009 ICC
Though the Village 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.
Planning & Zoning |
1 of 5 Goals Achieved |
[Z1] Pursue Protection for Solar Rights and Access(72)
State law allows for creation of solar easements and solar access provisions in local zoning code
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.
[Z2] Promote Solar Ready Construction via Ordinances or Building Codes(15)
No solar ready standards in place currently
Explore creation of municipal ordinances which require new homes and buildings to be built solar-ready.
[Z4] Incorporate Solar Priorities into Comprehensive or Energy Action Plans(66)
Town has adopted a Climate Action Plan, but nothing specific to solar
Town has done a great job supporting energy efficiency efforts via the Climate Action Plan. Consider making solar development an official goal of the Tlown by integrating solar development goals into long term planning documents.
[Z5] Update Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations(92)
Zoning code does not specifically address solar, but existing regulations do not restrict solar in any way
Ensure 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.
[Z7] Limit Impact of Restrictive Private Covenants(81)
Unknown whether local HOAs have any restrictive policies. To be determined.
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.
Financing Options |
2 of 2 Goals Achieved |
[F6] Encourage Local Financial Stakeholders to Establish New Solar Loan Programs(63)
Local vendors offer 3rd party finance, and NYSERDA Green Jobs Green NY offers low interest loans
Effective finance options are offered in the region.
[F7] Promote Availability of Existing Solar Finance Options and Evaluation Tools(38)
Some awareness exists within the community currently via the Energize Finance Program
. Publicize the availability of local solar finance options and solar evaluation tools for potential buyers. Consider doing this by adding content to the TEAC website.
Solar Market Development |
3 of 5 Goals Achieved |
[M1] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Residential Sector(40)
Town has not explored aggregated procurement for residential sector.
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.
[M3] Explore Implementation of Collaborative Procurement Program for Municipal Facilities and Schools(38)
Town is exploring a joint application for the Solarize Muncipal RFI.
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.
[M6] Explore Installing Solar at Municipal Facilities, Including Landfill and Water Treatment Facilities(62)
Town has not explored installations at specific municipal facilities.
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.
[M8] Provide Solar Educational Resources to Constituents(77)
Town is a member of Sustainable Westchester.
Continue to promote the availability of online tools and resources for the residential, commercial, and municipal solar markets through existing networks.
[M10] Explore Joining Clean Energy Action and Recognition Programs(42)
Village is a member of Sustainable Westchester.