Solar permit law moves toward adoption

PINE PLAINS— The Town Board unanimously approved an amended resolution for the unified solar permit process for accessory solar installations following a public hearing last week. In other words, the law amends the code to provide for small-scale facilities mounted to rooftops or other accessories.

“I’m excited we got something together and happy we resolved it to put it on the books,” said Councilman Rory Chase at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, March 21.

Attorney to the Town Warren Replansky said because a copy of the law wasn’t sent down to Dutchess County, it can’t be acted upon until 30 days have passed. Town Clerk Judy Harpp said she had mailed a copy of the proposed local law to the county, though she didn't receive confirmation. Town Supervisor Darrah Cloud had emailed a copy to the county, meanwhile, and did receive confirmation. Replansky said emails don’t suffice; the law must be faxed or mailed.

He added that the county will review the law and then refer it to the Planning Board. Also, because the Town Board made some changes to the law recommended by the town’s Solar Committee, the revised law is subject to a new public hearing. It's not until after that public hearing is held that the resolution can be adopted into law. And, he noted, the board can’t vote on the law until it’s been on its desk for at least seven days.

Cloud said she’d like it to be adopted sooner rather than later.

“I was hoping to apply for a grant being offered, so the sooner we can do this the better,” she said. 

“You only have to wait seven days, but county planning, if you guys could goose them along…” said Replansky. “You have to hear back from the Planning Board. The Planning Board referral, under our zoning law, is discretionary, not mandatory, so you could waive it.”

Cloud agreed, adding that “most of the people on the Solar Committee are on the Planning Board,” so they’d be familiar with the changes.

Replansky advised the board that it must pass a resolution to approve the amended motion. 

“It doesn’t look like you’ll have a lot of input on this,” he said. 

“It’s not controversial,” said Councilwoman Sarah Jones. 

After the amended resolution was approved and the hearing closed, Cloud gave her thanks.

“Thank you, everyone,” she said. “We pored over this. The committee is a really great committee.”