Village of Buchanan, NY

Initial Status: Village has not adopted the NY Unified Solar Permit adopted

Guidance: Consider adopting a standard application form specific to solar PV for qualifying projects under 10kW. The State of NY has the NY State Unified Solar Permit for this purpose.

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 for residential, two applications required for commercial.

Guidance: Consider allowing only one department for commercial submittals.

Initial Status: Permit process and point-of-contact available online. Inspection process and fees are unavailable.

Guidance: Post information on the solar fee schedules and inspection process online in an easily accessible location. This should include the inspection steps, fees, and any other pertinent information.

Initial Status: Permit process is completed within one month for all structures requiring a permit

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: Residential permit fee structure is not available at this time.

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

Initial Status: Commercial permit fee information is unavailable at this time.

Guidance: Base commercial permit fees 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 3 - 5 days for residential, and 6 - 10 days for commercial.

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

Initial Status: A 4 hour window is provided

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: Single comprehensive inspection

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 Current code requirements are the Residential Code of New York State, 2010 edition and the National Fire Protective Association (NFPA-70) NEC code 2008 Edition

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. However, no local zoning or ordinances protect solar rights.

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

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: Zoning code does not specifically address solar

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: Local HOA do not restrict solar in any way

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: Info on solar finance programs and incentives available to community

Guidance: Publicize the availability of Energize Finance Program and other solar evaluation tools for potential buyers. Consider doing this by adding content Buchanan website.

Initial Status: Procurement programs for residential sector are unknown at this time.

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: No such programs known to exist locally

Guidance: Consider 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: No such installations are known to exist at this time.

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 Buchananproperties.

Initial Status: Info on solar finance programs and incentives available to community

Guidance: Consider publishing information on the EIC and Energize Finance program on Buchanan website. Promote the availability of other online tools and resources for the residential, commercial, and municipal solar markets through existing networks.