[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Coeymans 6-25-2020 by L.L. No. 4-2020. Amendments noted where applicable.]
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 - Appendix 1 Lot Size RequirementsAttachment 2 - Appendix 2 Parcel Line SetbacksAttachment 3 - Appendix 3 Height LimitsAttachment 4 - Appendix D Example Decommissioning Plan
This solar energy chapter is adopted pursuant to Article 16 of the New York State Town Law, and Articles 2 and 3 of the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, which authorize the Town of Coeymans to adopt zoning provisions that advance and protect the health, safety and welfare of the community, and, in accordance with the Town of Coeymans law of New York State, "to make provision for, so far as conditions may permit, the accommodation of solar energy systems and equipment and access to sunlight necessary therefor."
A. 
This solar energy chapter is adopted to advance and protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the Town of Coeymans by creating regulations for the installation and use of solar energy generating systems and equipment, with the following objectives:
(1) 
To take advantage of a safe, abundant, renewable and nonpolluting energy resource;
(2) 
To decrease the cost of electricity to the owners of residential and commercial properties, including single-family houses;
(3) 
To increase employment and business development in the Town of Coeymans, to the extent reasonably practical, by furthering the installation of solar energy systems;
(4) 
To mitigate the impacts of solar energy systems on environmental resources; and
(5) 
To create synergy between solar and other stated goals of the community pursuant to its Comprehensive Plan.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
BUILDING-INTEGRATED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A combination of solar panels and solar energy equipment integrated into any building envelope system such as vertical facades, semitransparent skylight systems, roofing materials, or shading over windows, which produce electricity for on-site consumption.
GLARE
The effect by reflections of light with intensity sufficient as determined in a commercially reasonable manner to cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility in any material respects.
GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A solar energy system that is anchored to the ground via a pole or other mounting system, detached from any other structure that generates electricity for on-site or off-site consumption.
NATIVE PERENNIAL VEGETATION
Native wildflowers, forbs, and grasses that serve as habitat, forage, and migratory way stations for pollinators and shall not include any prohibited or regulated invasive species as determined by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
POLLINATOR
Bees, birds, bats, and other insects or wildlife that pollinate flowering plants, and includes both wild and managed insects.
ROOF-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A solar energy system located on the roof of any legally permitted building or structure that produces electricity for on-site or off-site consumption.
SOLAR ACCESS
Space open to the sun and clear of overhangs or shade so as to permit the use of active and/or passive solar energy systems on individual properties.
SOLAR ENERGY EQUIPMENT
Electrical material, hardware, inverters, conduit, storage devices, or other electrical and photovoltaic equipment associated with the production of electricity.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
The components and subsystems required to convert solar energy into electric energy suitable for use. The term includes, but is not limited to, solar panels and solar energy equipment. The area of a solar energy system includes all the land inside the perimeter of the solar energy system, which extends to any interconnection equipment. A solar energy system is classified as a Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 solar energy system as follows.
A. 
Tier 1 solar energy systems include the following:
(1) 
Roof-mounted solar energy systems.
(2) 
Building-integrated solar energy systems.
B. 
Tier 2 solar energy systems include ground-mounted solar energy systems with system capacity up to 25 kW AC and that generate no more than 110% of the electricity consumed on the site over the previous 12 months.
C. 
Tier 3 solar energy systems are systems that are not included in the list for Tier 1 and Tier 2 solar energy systems.
SOLAR PANEL
A photovoltaic device capable of collecting and converting solar energy into electricity.
STORAGE BATTERY
A device that stores energy and makes it available in an electrical form.
A. 
The requirements of this chapter shall apply to all solar energy systems permitted, installed, or modified in Town of Coeymans after the effective date of this chapter, excluding general maintenance and repair.
B. 
Solar energy systems constructed or installed prior to the effective date of this chapter shall not be required to meet the requirements of this chapter.
C. 
Modifications to an existing solar energy system that increase the solar energy system area by more than 5% of the original area of the solar energy system (exclusive of moving any fencing) shall be subject to this chapter.
D. 
All solar energy systems shall be designed, erected, and installed in accordance with all applicable codes, regulations, and industry standards as referenced in the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code ("Building Code"), the New York State Energy Conservation Code ("Energy Code"), and the Coeymans Town Code.
A. 
A building permit shall be required for installation of all solar energy systems.
B. 
Local land use boards are encouraged to condition their approval of proposed developments on sites adjacent to solar energy systems so as to protect their access to sufficient sunlight to remain economically feasible over time.
C. 
Issuance of permits and approvals by the Coeymans Planning Board/Zoning Board of Appeals shall include review pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act ECL Article 8 and its implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617 ("SEQRA").
All Tier 1 solar energy systems shall be permitted in all zoning districts and shall be exempt from site plan review under the local zoning code or other land use regulation, subject to the following conditions for each type of solar energy systems:
A. 
Roof-mounted solar energy systems.
(1) 
Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall incorporate, when feasible, the following design requirements:
(a) 
Solar panels on pitched roofs shall be mounted with a maximum distance of eight inches between the roof surface the highest edge of the system.
(b) 
Solar panels on pitched roofs shall be installed parallel to the roof surface on which they are mounted or attached.
(c) 
Solar panels on pitched roofs shall not extend higher than the highest point of the roof surface on which they are mounted or attached.
(d) 
Solar panels on flat roofs shall not extend above the top of the surrounding parapet, or more than 24 inches above the flat surface of the roof, whichever is higher.
(2) 
Glare: All solar panels shall have antireflective coating(s).
(3) 
Height: All roof-mounted solar energy systems shall comply with the height limitations in Appendix 3.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Said appendix is included as an attachment to this chapter.
B. 
Building-integrated solar energy systems shall be shown on the plans submitted for the building permit application for the building containing the system.
All Tier 2 solar energy systems shall be permitted in all zoning districts as accessory structures and shall be exempt from site plan review under the local zoning code or other land use regulations, subject to the following conditions:
A. 
Glare: All solar panels shall have antireflective coating(s).
B. 
Setbacks: Tier 2 solar energy systems shall be subject to the setback regulations specified for the accessory structures within the underlying zoning district. All ground- mounted solar energy systems shall only be installed in the side or rear yards in residential districts.
C. 
Height: Tier 2 solar energy systems shall be subject to the height limitations specified for accessory structures within the underlying zoning district.
D. 
Screening and visibility.
(1) 
All Tier 2 solar energy systems shall have views minimized from adjacent properties to the extent reasonably practicable.
(2) 
Solar energy equipment shall be located in a manner to reasonably avoid and/or minimize blockage of views from surrounding properties and shading of property to the north, while still providing adequate solar access.
E. 
Lot size: Tier 2 solar energy systems shall comply with the existing lot size requirement specified for accessory structures within the underlying zoning district.
All Tier 3 solar energy systems are permitted through the issuance of a special use permit within the Residential/Agricultural, Planned Residential, General Business, Industrial and Planned Industrial Zoning Districts, and subject to site plan application requirements set forth in this section.
A. 
Applications for the installation of Tier 3 solar energy system shall be:
(1) 
Reviewed by the Code Enforcement Officer for completeness. Applicants shall be advised within 10 business days of the completeness of their application or any deficiencies that must be addressed prior to substantive review.
(2) 
Subject to a public hearing to hear all comments for and against the application. The Planning Board/Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Coeymans shall have a notice printed in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town of Coeymans at least five days in advance of such hearing. Applicants shall have delivered the notice by first class mail to adjoining landowners or landowners within 200 feet of the property at least 10 days prior to such a hearing. Proof of mailing shall be provided to the Planning Board/Zoning Board of Appeals at the public hearing.
(3) 
Referred to the Albany County Planning Board pursuant to General Municipal Law § 239-m if required.
(4) 
Upon closing of the public hearing, the Planning Board/Zoning Board of Appeals shall take action on the application within 62 days of the public hearing, which can include approval, approval with conditions, or denial. The sixty-two-day period may be extended upon consent by both the Planning Board/Zoning Board of Appeals and applicant.
B. 
Underground requirements. All on-site utility lines shall be placed underground to the extent feasible and as permitted by the serving utility, with the exception of the main service connection at the utility company right-of-way and any new interconnection equipment, including without limitation any poles, with new easements and right-of-way.
C. 
Vehicular paths. Vehicular paths within the site shall be designed to minimize the extent of impervious materials and soil compaction.
D. 
Signage.
(1) 
No signage or graphic content shall be displayed on the solar energy systems except the manufacturer's name, equipment specification information, safety information, and twenty-four-hour emergency contact information. Said information shall be depicted within an area no more than eight square feet. To the extent required by safety, signs can be larger, subject to the review and approval of the Planning Board/Zoning Board of Appeals.
(2) 
As required by National Electric Code (NEC), disconnect and other emergency shutoff information shall be clearly displayed on a light reflective surface. A clearly visible warning sign concerning voltage shall be placed at the base of all pad-mounted transformers and substations.
E. 
Glare. All solar panels shall have antireflective coating(s).
F. 
Lighting. Lighting of the solar energy systems shall be limited to that minimally required for safety and operational purposes and shall be reasonably shielded and downcast from abutting properties.
G. 
Tree-cutting. Removal of existing trees larger than six inches in diameter should be minimized to the extent possible.
H. 
Decommissioning.
(1) 
Solar energy systems that have been abandoned and/or not producing electricity for a period of one year shall be removed at the owner and/or operator's expense, which at the owner's option may come from any security made with the Town of Coeymans as set forth in § 137-10B herein.
(2) 
A decommissioning plan (see Appendix 4[1]) signed by the owner and/or operator of the solar energy system shall be submitted by the applicant, addressing the following:
(a) 
The cost of removing the solar energy system.
(b) 
The time required to decommission and remove the solar energy system any ancillary structures.
(c) 
The time required to repair any damage caused to the property by the installation and removal of the solar energy system.
[1]
Editor's Note: Said appendix is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(3) 
Security.
(a) 
The deposit, executions, or filing with the Town of Coeymans Town Clerk of cash, bond, or other form of security, reasonably acceptable to the Town of Coeymans Town attorney and/or Engineer, shall be in an amount sufficient to ensure the good faith performance of the terms and conditions of the permit issued pursuant hereto and to provide for the removal and restorations of the site subsequent to removal. The amount of the bond or security shall be 125% of the cost of removal of the Tier 3 solar energy system and restoration of the property with an escalator of 2% annually for the life of the solar energy system. The decommissioning amount shall be reduced by the amount of the estimated salvage value of the solar energy system.
(b) 
In the event of default upon performance of such conditions, after proper notice and expiration of any cure periods, the cash deposit, bond, or security shall be forfeited to the Town of Coeymans, which shall be entitled to maintain an action thereon. The cash deposit, bond, or security shall remain in full force and effect until restoration of the property as set forth in the decommissioning plan is completed.
(c) 
In the event of default or abandonment of the solar energy system, the system shall be decommissioned as set forth in § 137-10B and C herein.
I. 
Site plan application. For any solar energy system requiring a special use permit, site plan approval shall be required. Any site plan application shall include the following information:
(1) 
Property lines and physical features, including roads, for the project site.
(2) 
Proposed changes to the landscape of the site, grading, vegetation clearing and planting, exterior lighting, and screening vegetation or structures
(3) 
A one- or three-line electrical diagram detailing the solar energy system layout, solar collector installation, associated components, and electrical interconnection methods, with all National Electrical Code compliant disconnects and over current devices.
(4) 
A preliminary equipment specification sheet that documents all proposed solar panels, significant components, mounting systems, and inverters that are to be installed. A final equipment specification sheet shall be submitted prior to the issuance of building permit.
(5) 
Name, address, and contact information of proposed or potential system installer and the owner and/or operator of the solar energy system. Such information of the final system installer shall be submitted prior to the issuance of building permit.
(6) 
Name, address, phone number, and signature of the project applicant, as well as all the property owners, demonstrating their consent to the application and the use of the property for the solar energy system.
(7) 
Zoning district designation for the parcel(s) of land comprising the project site.
(8) 
Property operation and maintenance plan. Such plan shall describe continuing photovoltaic maintenance and property upkeep, such as mowing and trimming.
(9) 
Erosion and sediment control and stormwater management plans prepared to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation standards, if applicable, and to such standards as may be established by the Planning Board.
(10) 
Prior to the issuance of the building permit or final approval by the Planning Board/Zoning Board of Appeals, but not required as part of the application, engineering documents must be signed and sealed by a New York State (NYS) licensed professional engineer or NYS registered architect.
J. 
Special use permit standards.
(1) 
Lot size.
(a) 
The property on which the Tier 3 solar energy system is placed shall meet the lot size requirements in Appendix 1.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Said appendix is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(2) 
Setbacks.
(a) 
The Tier 3 solar energy systems shall meet the setback requirements in Appendix 2.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: Said appendix is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(3) 
Height.
(a) 
The Tier 3 solar energy systems shall comply with the height limitations in Appendix 3[4] depending on the underlying zoning district.
[4]
Editor's Note: Said appendix is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(4) 
Lot coverage.
(a) 
The following components of a Tier 3 solar energy system shall be considered included in the calculations for lot coverage requirements:
[1] 
Foundation systems, typically consisting of driven piles or monopoles or helical screws with or without small concrete collars.
[2] 
All mechanical equipment of the solar energy system, including any pad-mounted structure for batteries, switchboard, transformers, or storage cells.
[3] 
Paved access roads servicing the solar energy system.
(b) 
Lot coverage of the solar energy system, as defined above, shall be calculated on the aggregate of all lots affected rather than by individual lot.
(5) 
Fencing requirements. All mechanical equipment, including any structure for storage batteries, shall be enclosed by a fence that is seven- to eight-foot tall, as required by NEC, with a self-locking gate to prevent unauthorized access.
(6) 
Screening and visibility.
(a) 
Solar energy systems smaller than 10 acres shall have views minimized from adjacent properties to the extent reasonably practicable using architectural features, earth berms, landscaping, or other screening methods that will harmonize with the character of the property and surrounding area.
(b) 
Solar energy systems larger than 10 acres shall be required to:
[1] 
Conduct a visual assessment of the visual impacts of the solar energy system on public roadways and adjacent properties. At a minimum, a line-of-sight profile analysis shall be provided. Depending upon the scope and potential significance of the visual impacts, additional impact analyses, including for example a digital viewshed report, shall be required to be submitted by the applicant.
[2] 
Submit a screening and landscaping plan to show adequate measures to screen through landscaping, grading, or other means so that views of solar panels and solar energy equipment shall be minimized as reasonably practical from public roadways and adjacent properties to the extent feasible.
[3] 
The screening and landscaping plan shall specify the locations, elevations, height, plant species, and/or materials that will comprise the structures, landscaping, and/or grading used to screen and/or mitigate any adverse aesthetic effects of the system, following the applicable rules and standards established by the Planning Board/Zoning Board of Appeals.
K. 
Ownership changes. If the owner or operator of the solar energy system changes or the owner of the property changes, the special use permit shall remain in effect, provided that the successor owner or operator assumes in writing all of the obligations of the special use permit, site plan approval, and decommissioning plan. A new owner or operator of the solar energy system shall notify the zoning enforcement officer of such change in ownership or operator within 30 days of the ownership change.
A. 
Solar energy systems and solar energy equipment shall be certified under the applicable electrical and/or building codes as required.
B. 
Solar energy systems shall be maintained in good working order and in accordance with industry standards. Site access shall be maintained, including snow removal at a level acceptable to the local fire department and, if the Tier 3 solar energy system is located in an ambulance district, the local ambulance corps.
C. 
If storage batteries are included as part of the solar energy system, they shall meet the requirements of any applicable fire prevention and building code when in use and, when no longer used, shall be disposed of in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Town of Coeymans and any applicable federal, state, or county laws or regulations.
A. 
The special use permit and site plan approval for a solar energy system shall be valid for a period of 18 months, provided that a building permit is issued for construction. In the event construction is not completed in accordance with the final site plan, as may have been amended and approved, as required by the Planning Board/Zoning Board of Appeals, within 18 months after approval, the applicant or the Town of Coeymans may extend the time to complete construction for 180 days. If the owner and/or operator fails to perform substantial construction after 24 months, the approvals shall expire.
B. 
Upon cessation of electricity generation of a solar energy system on a continuous basis for 12 months, the Tow of Coeymans may notify and instruct the owner and/or operator of the solar energy system to implement the decommissioning plan. The decommissioning plan must be completed within 360 days of notification.
C. 
If the owner and/or operator fails to comply with decommissioning upon any abandonment, the Town of Coeymans may, at its discretion, utilize the bond and/or security for the removal of the solar energy system and restoration of the site in accordance with the decommissioning plan.
Any violation of this Solar Energy Chapter shall be subject to the same enforcement requirements, including the civil and criminal penalties, provided for in the zoning or land use regulations of the Town of Coeymans.
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.