Town of Pound Ridge, NY

Initial Status: Town has application form, although nothing specific to PV

Guidance: Consider adopting a the NY standard application form specific to solar PV for qualifying projects under 10kW.

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: Only a single submittal is required.

Initial Status: Permit process information is available online, although nothing specific to the inspection process

Guidance: Post information on the solar 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 about two weeks

Guidance: 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].

Initial Status: Valuation based fee structure with additional fixed cost for certificate of occupancy

Guidance: The permit fee for a typical residential system has a total cost of around $415. This is a bit high for residential systems; consider capping the permit fee portion at $250 or less.

Initial Status: Valuation based fee structure with additional fixed cost for certificate of occupancy

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 unknown

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

Initial Status: Inspection window is unknown at this time

Guidance: Offer convenient inspection scheduling <4 hours. 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.

Initial Status: Separate final inspections for structural and electrical

Guidance: Though 2 inspections are required, the electrical inspection is outside of Town jurisdiction. Only a single inspection is required by the Town.

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 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.

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: All new buildings and lots will be planned with consideration to solar access

Initial Status: Not aware of any energy goals in long term planning currently

Guidance: Consider making solar development an official goal of the Village by integrating solar development goals into long term planning documents.

Initial Status: Zoning code does not specifically address solar, but existing regulations do not restrict solar in any way

Guidance: 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.

Initial Status: Unknown whether local HOAs have any restrictive policies. To be determined.

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: Local vendors offer 3rd party finance, and NYSERDA Green Jobs Green NY offers low interest loans

Guidance: Effective finance options are offered in the region.

Initial Status: Some awareness exists within the community currently

Guidance: TEAC website is a great start for solar information. 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.

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 collaborative procurement for the municipal sector

Initial Status: Town has no installations at specific municipal facilities.

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: Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council has solar information available

Guidance: Town has taken great strides via the TEAC website as well as promoting the Solarize campaign on the Village website.

Initial Status: Village is a member of Sustainable Westchester.