[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the
Town of Wilton 10-5-2017. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Zoning — See Ch. 129.
This zoning for solar energy chapter is adopted pursuant to
§§ 261 through 263 of the Town Law, of the State of
New York, which authorize the Town of Wilton to adopt zoning provisions
that advance and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community,
and "to make provision for, so far as conditions may permit, the accommodation
of solar energy systems and equipment and access to sunlight necessary
therefor."
This zoning for solar energy chapter is adopted to advance and
protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the Town of Wilton,
including:
A.
Taking advantage of a safe, abundant, renewable, and nonpolluting
energy resource; and
B.
Decreasing the cost of energy to the owners of commercial and residential
properties, including single-family houses; and
C.
Increasing employment and business development in the region by furthering
the installation of solar energy systems.
Solar energy systems are considered abandoned after one year
without electrical generation for consumption and/or resale.
A combination of photovoltaic building components integrated
into any building envelope system such as vertical facades, including
glass and other facade material, semitransparent skylight systems,
roofing materials, and shading over windows.
A large-scale solar energy system that produces 200 kilowatts
or more.
A solar energy system that is anchored to the ground and
attached to a pole or other mounting system, detached from any other
structure for the primary purpose of producing less than 25 kilowatts
electricity for on-site consumption.
A solar energy system that is ground mounted and produces
more than 25 kilowatts of energy primarily for the purpose of off-site
sale or consumption.
A solar panel system located on the roof of any legally permitted
building or structure for the purpose of producing electricity for
on-site or off-site consumption.
Electrical energy storage devices, material, hardware, inverters,
or other electrical equipment and conduit of photovoltaic devices
associated with the production of electrical energy.
An electrical generating system composed of a combination
of both solar panels and solar energy equipment.
A photovoltaic device capable of collecting and converting
solar energy into electrical energy.
Solar hot-water technology consisting of solar thermal equipment.
Thermal energy is transferred to a heat transfer system via a collector
and heat exchanger.
The requirements of this chapter shall apply to all solar energy
systems installed or modified after its effective date, excluding
general maintenance and repair of building-integrated photovoltaic
systems.
A.
Roof-mounted solar energy systems.
(1)
Roof-mounted solar energy systems that use the electricity on site
or off site are permitted as an accessory use in all zoning districts
when attached to any lawfully permitted building or primary structure.
(2)
Height. Solar energy systems shall not exceed the maximum height
restrictions of the zoning district within which they are located
and are provided the same height exemptions granted to building-mounted
mechanical devices or equipment.
(3)
Aesthetics. Roof-mounted solar energy system installations shall
incorporate the following design requirements:
(a)
Panels facing the front yard must be mounted at the same angle
as the roof's surface with a maximum distance of 18 inches between
the roof and highest edge of the system.
(4)
Roof-mounted solar energy systems that use the energy on-site or
off-site shall be exempt from site plan review under the local zoning
code or other land use regulations.
B.
Ground-mounted solar energy systems.
(1)
Ground-mounted solar energy systems that use the electricity primarily
on site are permitted as accessory structures for residential use.
(2)
Height and setback. Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall adhere
to the maximum height of 13 feet and setback requirements of the underlying
zoning district.
(3)
Lot coverage. Systems are limited to 60% of lot coverage; the surface
area covered by ground-mounted solar panels shall be included in total
lot coverage. Maximum capacity generation of 25 kilowatts in residential
districts.
(4)
All such systems in residential districts shall be installed in the
side or rear yards.
(5)
Ground-mounted solar energy systems that use the electricity primarily
on site shall be exempt from site plan review under the local zoning
code or other land use regulations.
A.
Large-scale solar energy systems are permitted through the issuance
of a special use permit except within the R-1 District, subject to
the requirements set forth in this section, including site plan approval.
Applications for the installation of a large-scale solar energy system
shall be reviewed by the Zoning Enforcement Officer and referred,
with comments, to the Planning Board for its review and action, which
can include approval, approval with conditions, or denial.
B.
Special use permit application requirements for a special use permit.
The site plan application is to be used as supplemented by the following
provisions:
(1)
If the property of the proposed project is to be leased, legal consent
between all parties, specifying the use(s) of the land for the duration
of the project, including easements and other agreements, shall be
submitted.
(2)
Site plans showing the layout of the solar energy system signed by
a professional engineer or registered architect shall be required.
(3)
The equipment specification sheets shall be documented and submitted
for all photovoltaic panels, significant components, mounting systems,
and inverters that are to be installed.
(4)
Property operation and maintenance plan. Such plan shall describe
continuing photovoltaic maintenance and property upkeep, such as mowing
and trimming. No chemical herbicides are allowed.
C.
Special use permit standards.
(1)
Height and setback. Large-scale solar energy systems shall adhere
to the height and setback requirements of the underlying zoning district.
Maximum of 13 feet for ground-mounted systems or six feet for flat
roof mounted.
(2)
Lot size. Large-scale energy systems shall be located on lots with
a minimum lot size of five acres.
(3)
Lot coverage. A large-scale solar energy system that is ground mounted
shall not exceed 60% of the lot on which it is installed. The surface
area covered by solar panels shall be included in the total lot coverage.
(4)
All large-scale solar energy systems shall be enclosed by fencing
to prevent unauthorized access. Warning signs with the emergency contact
information shall be placed on the entrance and perimeter of the fencing.
The type of fencing shall be determined by the Planning Board. The
fencing shall be a maximum of eight feet and a minimum of six feet.
The system may be further screened by any landscaping needed to avoid
adverse aesthetic impacts.
(5)
Any application under this section shall meet any substantive provisions
contained in local site plan requirements in the zoning code that,
in the judgment of the Planning Board, are applicable to the system
being proposed. If none of the site plan requirements are applicable,
the Planning Board may waive the requirement for site plan review.
(6)
The Planning Board may impose conditions on its approval of any special
use permit under this section in order to enforce the standards referred
to in this section or in order to discharge its obligations under
the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).
Any violation of this chapter shall be punishable by a fine
of $1,000 per day, per violation, or up to one year in jail, or both,
and each 24 hours thereof shall constitute a single, separate and
distinct offense.
The invalidity or unenforceability of any section, subsection,
paragraph, sentence, clause, provision or phrase of the aforementioned
sections as declared by the valid judgment of any court of competent
jurisdiction to be unconstitutional shall not affect the validity
or enforceability of any other section, subsection, paragraph, sentence,
clause, provision or phrase, which shall remain in full force and
effect.
A.
Applicability and purpose. This section governing abandonment and
decommissioning shall apply to large-scale ground-mounted solar PV
systems of 200 kilowatts or more. It is the purpose of this section
to provide for the safety, health, protection and general welfare
of persons and property in the Town of Wilton, by the Town requiring
abandoned commercial solar PV systems to be removed pursuant to a
decommissioning plan. The anticipated useful life of such systems,
as well as the volatility of the recently emerging solar industry
where multiple solar companies have filed for bankruptcy, closed or
been acquired creates an environment for systems to be abandoned,
thereby creating a negative visual impact on the Town. Abandoned commercial
systems may become unsafe by reason of their energy-producing capabilities
and serve as an attractive nuisance.
B.
Abandonment. A commercial solar PV system shall be deemed abandoned
if the system fails to generate and transmit electricity at a rate
of more than 10% of its rated capacity over a continuous period of
one year. A commercial solar PV system also shall be deemed abandoned
if, following site plan approval, initial construction of the system
has commenced and is not completed within 18 months of issuance of
the first building permit for the project.
(1)
Extension of time. The time at which a commercial solar PV system
shall be deemed abandoned may be extended by the Planning Board for
an additional period of one year, provided the system owner presents
to the Board a viable plan outlining the steps and schedules for placing
the system in service or back in service, at no less than 80% of its
rated capacity, within the time period of the extension. An application
for an extension of time shall be made to the Planning Board by the
commercial solar PV system owner prior to abandonment as defined herein.
Extenuating circumstances as to why the commercial solar PV system
has not been operating or why construction has not been completed
may be considered by the Board in determining whether to grant an
extension.
C.
Removal required. A commercial solar PV system which has been abandoned
shall be decommissioned and removed. The commercial solar PV system
owner and/or owner of the land upon which the system is located shall
be held responsible to physically remove all components of the system
within one year of abandonment. Removal of the commercial solar PV
system shall be in accordance with a decommissioning plan approved
by the Planning Board.
D.
Decommissioning and removal.
(1)
Decommissioning and removal of a commercial solar PV system shall
consist of:
(a)
Physical removal of all aboveground and below-ground equipment,
structures and foundations, including but not limited to all solar
arrays, buildings, security barriers, fences, electric transmission
lines and components, roadways and other physical improvements to
the site;
(b)
Disposal of all solid and hazardous waste in accordance with
local, state and federal waste disposal regulations;
(c)
Restoration of the ground surface and soil;
(d)
Stabilization and revegetation of the site with native seed
mixes and/or plant species (excluding invasive species) to minimize
erosion.
(2)
Upon petition to the Planning Board, the Board may permit the system
owner and/or landowner to leave certain underground or aboveground
improvements in place, provided the owner can show that such improvements
are part of a plan to redevelop the site, are not detrimental to such
redevelopment and do not adversely affect community character or the
environment.
E.
Special use permit conditions. The following conditions shall apply
to all special use permits issued for a commercial solar PV system.
No special use permit shall be issued unless the Planning Board finds
that the conditions have been or will be met.
(1)
Decommissioning plan. All applications for a commercial solar PV
system shall be accompanied by a decommissioning plan to be implemented
upon abandonment and/or in conjunction with removal of the system.
The decommissioning plan shall address those items listed in the above
section and include:
(a)
An estimate of the anticipated operational life of the system;
(b)
Identification of the party responsible for decommissioning;
(c)
Description of any agreement with the landowner regarding decommissioning;
(d)
A schedule showing the time frame over which decommissioning
will occur and for completion of site restoration work;
(e)
A cost estimate prepared by a qualified professional engineer,
estimating the full cost of decommissioning and removal of the solar
PV system;
(f)
A financial plan to ensure that financial resources will be
available to fully decommission the site.
(2)
Financial surety. Prior to the issuance of a building permit and
every three years thereafter, the commercial solar PV system owner
and/or landowner shall file with the Town evidence of financial security
to provide for the full cost of decommissioning and removal of the
solar PV system in the event the system is not removed by the system
owner and/or landowner. Evidence of financial security shall be in
effect throughout the life of the system and shall be in the form
of an irrevocable letter of credit or other security acceptable to
the Town Board. The irrevocable letter of credit shall include an
automatic extension provision, to be issued by an A-rated institution
solely for the benefit of the Town. The Town shall be entitled to
draw on the letter of credit in the event that the commercial solar
PV system owner and/or landowner is unable or unwilling to commence
decommissioning activities within the time periods specified herein.
No other parties, including the owner and/or landowner, shall have
the ability to demand payment under the letter of credit. Upon completion
of decommissioning, the owner and/or landowner may petition the Town
to terminate the letter of credit. In the event ownership of the system
is transferred to another party, the new owner (transferee) shall
file evidence of financial security with the Town at the time of transfer,
and every three years thereafter, as provided herein.
(a)
Amount. The amount of the surety shall be determined by the
Town Engineer based upon a current estimate of decommissioning and
removal costs as provided in the decommissioning plan and subsequent
annual reports. The amount of the surety may be adjusted by the Town
upon receipt of an annual report containing an updated cost estimate
for decommissioning and removal.
(3)
Annual report. The commercial solar PV system owner shall on a yearly basis provide the Town Building Inspector a report showing the rated capacity of the system and the amount of electricity that was generated by the system and transmitted to the grid over the most recent twelve-month period. The report shall also identify any change in ownership of the solar PV system and/or the land upon which the system is located and shall identify any change in the party responsible for decommissioning and removal of the system upon its abandonment. The annual report shall be submitted no later than 45 days after the end of the calendar year. Every third year, to coincide with the filing of evidence of financial security, the annual report shall also include a recalculation of the estimated full cost of decommissioning and removal of the commercial solar PV system. The Town may require an adjustment in the amount of the surety to reflect any changes in the estimated cost of decommissioning and removal. Failure to submit a report as required herein shall be considered a violation subject to the penalties of § 108-7 of this chapter.
F.
Decommissioning and removal by Town. If the commercial solar PV system
owner and/or landowner fails to decommission and remove an abandoned
facility in accordance with the requirements of this section, the
Town may enter upon the property to decommission and remove the system.
(1)
Procedure
(a)
Upon a determination by the Building Inspector that a commercial
solar PV system has been abandoned, the Building Inspector shall notify
the system owner, landowner and permittee by certified mail:
[1]
In the case of a facility under construction, to complete construction
and installation of the facility within 180 days; or
[2]
In the case of a fully constructed facility that is operating
at a rate of less than 10% of its rated capacity, to restore operation
of the facility to no less than 80% of rated capacity within 180 days,
or the Town will deem the system abandoned and commence action to
revoke the special use permit and require removal of the system.
(b)
Being so notified, if the system owner, landowner and/or permittee
fails to perform as directed by the Building Inspector within the
one-hundred-eighty-day period, the Building Inspector shall notify
the system owner, landowner and permittee, by certified mail, that
the solar PV system has been deemed abandoned, and the Town intends
to revoke the special use permit within 60 days of mailing said notice.
The notice shall also state that the permittee may appeal the Building
Inspector's determination of abandonment to the Zoning Board
of Appeals.
(c)
Said appeal and request for hearing must be made and received
by the Town within 20 days of mailing notice. Failure by the permittee
to submit an appeal and request for hearing within the twenty-day
period will result in the special use permit being deemed revoked
as stated herein.
(d)
In the event the permittee appeals the determination of the
Building Inspector and requests a hearing, the Zoning Board shall
schedule and conduct said hearing within 60 days of receiving the
appeal and request. In the event a hearing is held, the Zoning Board
shall determine whether the solar PV system has been abandoned, whether
to continue the special use permit with conditions as may be appropriate
to the facts and circumstances presented to the Board, or whether
to revoke the permit and order removal of the solar PV system.
(e)
Upon a determination by the Building Inspector or Planning Board
that a special use permit has been revoked, the decommissioning plan
must be implemented and the system removed within one year of having
been deemed abandoned, or the Town may cause the removal at the owner
and/or landowner's expense. If the owner and/or landowner fails
to fully implement the decommissioning plan within one year of abandonment,
the Town may collect the required surety and use said funds to implement
the decommissioning plan.
(f)
Removal by Town and reimbursement of Town expenses. Any costs and expenses incurred by the Town in connection with any proceeding or work performed by the Town or its representatives to decommission and remove a commercial solar PV system, including legal costs and expenses, shall be reimbursed from the financial surety posted by the system owner or landowner as provided in § 108-9D decommission and removal plan, herein. Any costs incurred by the Town for decommissioning and removal that are not paid for or covered by the required surety, including legal costs, shall be assessed against the property, shall become a lien and tax upon said property, shall be added to and become part of the taxes to be levied and assessed thereon, and shall be enforced and collected, with interest, by the same officer and in the same manner, by the same proceedings, at the same time and under the same penalties as are provided by law for the collection and enforcement of real property taxes in the Town.
