Village of Irvington, NY

Initial Status: There is a standard application form, but nothing specific to PV. Not using the NY State Unified Solar Permit.

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

Initial Status: Permit application is available in person, by mail, online, and sent via email.

Initial Status: Permit application form can only be submitted online, by email, by mail, and in person.

Initial Status: Permit application must be submitted to one department

Initial Status: Permit and inspection process, fees, and point of contact information available online.

Initial Status: Review board meets twice monthly to approve permit applications.

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: Permit application fee for residential projects is valuation based and typically >$500

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

Initial Status: Permit application fee for commercial projects is valuation based and typically >$500

Guidance: Base commercial permit fees on cost recovery, or if a flat fee is used keep the fee amount under $500.

Initial Status: Inspection are completed >10 days from request

Guidance: Perform inspection within 2 business days of request.

Initial Status: Inspection appointment window is 2 hours

Guidance: If possible, provide real time updates prior to arrival so contractor is aware and prepared.

Initial Status: Two inspection trips including electrical and structural/building final.

Guidance: 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.

Initial Status: Inspection checklist currently in use.

Guidance: Ideally the checklist is standardized across the region.

Initial Status: Structural PE stamp is required for residential systems.

Guidance: For qualifying residential systems meeting certain criteria, allow an exemption from structural analysis or structural PE stamp requirements.

Initial Status: Currently on 2008 NEC, NFPA-70 and Residential Code of New York State 2010.

Guidance:

Initial Status: State law allows for creation of solar easements and solar access provisions in local zoning code. No local ordinance to protect solar rights and access.

Guidance: Create local ordinances which would further protect property owners' right to install solar and ensure their property has unobstructed access to direct sunlight.

Initial Status: No local ordinances or building codes established.

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

Initial Status: Village incorporates solar priorities in the planning documents via 2012 Climate Smart Action Plan,

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: Village has numerous homeowner associations. Impact from associations is unknown.

Guidance: Ensure the zoning codes and ordinances that govern solar installations in aesthetically sensitive areas do not adversely affect property owners' ability to install solar. Allow staff members to review and approve applications when possible rather than requiring committee or planning commission review.

Initial Status: Village has adopted the Town Assessment Roll allowing th eVillage to participate in Town's energy programs, e.g. Energize PACE financing.

Guidance: City currently at best practice.

Initial Status: No local solar loan program available.

Guidance: Encourage local financial institutions to establish loan programs for solar energy systems.

Initial Status: Information on solar finance options and incentives are available online.

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 aggregate solar procurement program for the 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: No collaborative procurement programs for the municipal sector within the village.

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 known projects at these sites currently.

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 Bronxville properties.

Initial Status: Limited public access to resources and tools.

Guidance: Provide online access to training programs and resources for the installer community and potential workforce and organize an outreach and/or training event in order to generate awareness and understanding.

Initial Status: Limited awareness within the community currently.

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

Initial Status: Limited awareness of these tools locally.

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