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Catskill green lights new solar regulations

Jul 26, 2016 12:04 am

Katie Kocijanski is reporting in The Daily Mail the Catskill Town Board has passed a new local law to regulate the use of solar energy town wide. The board recently approved the law authorizing adoption of zoning provisions to allow solar farms within town borders, and permit the addition of solar energy systems on individual homes. Catskill Town Supervisor Doreen Davis said, “It’s something we needed to do; a lot of large companies have approached us about renting land for solar farms. This is going to allow for more consistency with homeowners when they install their own systems.” Davis said the law is also important for first responders. They need to know in an emergency if a solar-energy system has been installed on a structure's roof. Under the new law, large scale solar farms are permitted, with the issuance of a special use permit in agricultural, high density residential, general commercial and industrial zoning districts. All large systems must be enclosed by a fence to prevent unauthorized access. Warning signs displaying the owner’s contact information must be placed on the entrance and perimeter of the fencing. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.