Machine-extracted (OCR) from the official document — formatting is approximate; the official copy governs.
New York State Department of State
Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code
One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12231-0001
Local Law Filing www.dos.ny.gov
(Use this form to file a local law with the Secretary of State.)
Text of law should be given as amended. Do not include matter being eliminated and do not use
italics or underiining to indicate new matter.
•County nCity nxTown nVillage PILED
(Setec( one.) STATE P?=CORDS
of Clay
MAR2B2n?7
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Local Law No. 1 of the year 2022
A local law ^'^^^^''^9 Amending a New Town Code section titled "Solar Energy Systems"
and to delete paragraph "K" titled "Agricultural Resources" inadvertently included in the intial
draft of the proposed law and published on the Town Website.
(Insert Title)
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the
(Name ofLegislative Body)
•Town n
Of Clay as follows:
Chapter 230-20 Xoning
H. Solar energy systems
(1) Authority. This solar energy section is adopted pursuant to §§ 261 through 263 of the Town Law and § 20 of
the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, which authorize the Town to adopt zoning provisions
that advance and protect the health, safety and welfare of the community and, in accordance with the Town
Law ofNew York State, to make provision for, so far as conditions may permit, the accommodation of
soiar energy systems and equipment and access to sunUght necessary therefor.
(2) Statement of purpose. This solar energy section is adopted to advance and protect the public health, safety,
and welfare of the Town by creating regulations for the instaUation and use of solar-energy-generating systems
and equipment, with the foUowing objectives:
(a) To take advantage of a safe, abimdant, renewable and nonpolluting energy resource;
(b) To decrease the cost of electricity to the owners of residential and commercial properties, including
single-family houses;
(c) To increase employment and business development in the Town, to the extent reasonably practical,
by furthering the installation of solar energy systems;
(d) To mitigate the impacts of solar energy systems on envirormiental resources such as important agricultural
lands, forests, wildlife, and other protected resources; and
(e) To maintain the rural character of the Town of Clay and to integrate solar energy usage in the Town in
DOS-0239-f-l fRev. 04/14) Paqe 2 of 4
such a way as to minimize the visual impact on the community.
(3) Defmitions. As used in this sechon, 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, roofmg materials, or shading over windows, which produce electricity for on-site consumption.
FARMLAND OF STATEWIDE IMPORTANCE - Land, designated as "farmland of statewide importance" in
the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) Soil Survey
Geographic (SSURGO) Database on Web Soil Survey, that is of statewide importance as determined by
the appropriate state agency or agencies. Farmland of statewide importance may include tracts of land that have
been designated for agriculture by state law.
GLARE - The effect by reflections of light with intensity sufficient, as determined in 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 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.
PRIME FARMLAND - Land, designated as "prime farmland" in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural
Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database on Web Soil Survey,
that has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and
oil seed crops and is also available for these land uses.
QUALIFIED SOLAR INSTALLER - A person who has the skills and knowledge related to the construction and
operation of solar energy systems. Persons who are on the list of eligible photovoltaic instaUers maintained by
NYSERDA, or who are certified by NABCEP, shall be deemed to be qualified. Persons who are not on either of
these lists may be deemed quahfied if the Town Code Officer detennines that they have adequate training and
experience to perform the installation safely.
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
ofa 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:
(1) Tier 1 solar energy systems include the following:
(a) Roof-mounted solar energy systems.
(b) Building-integrated solar energy systems.
(c) Permits for all Tier 1 solar energy systems are issued by the Town Code Officer.
(2) Tier 2 solar energy systems are residential or single building serving ground- mounted solar energy systems
that are affixed to the ground either directly or by mounting devices and are not attached or affixed to a
building or structure. All applications for Tier 2 solar energy systems are reviewed and approved or denied
by the Town Plarming Board.
(3) Tier 3 solar energy systems are systems that are not included in the list for Tier 1 and Tier 2 solar energy
systems. Tier 3 systems shall ONLY be allowed in Industrial and Commerciai zones. All applications for
Tier 3 solar energy systems are approved or denied by the Town Board after review of the application,
including the site plan application, by the Planning Board and after the Planning Board has filed an advisory
DOS-0239-f-l (Rev. 04/14) Page 3 of 4
report to the Town Board. This report must be filed with the Town Board within 45 days ofthe completed
application being filed with the Town or such additional time as may be deemed appropriate by the Town
Board.
SOLAR PANEL - A photovoltaic device capable of collecting and converting solar energy into electricity.
STORAGE BATTERY ALSO KNOWN AS ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM - A device that stores energy and
makes it available in an electrical form.
(4) Applicability.
(a) The requirements of this section shall apply to aU solar energy systems permitted, installed, or modified in the
Town after the effective date of this section, excluding general maintenance and repair.
(b) Solar energy systems constructed or installed prior to the effective date of this section shall not be required to
meet the requirements of this sechon.
(c) Modifications to an existing solar energy system that increase the solar energy system area by more than 5%
of the originaJ area of the solar energy system (exclusive of moving any fencing) shall be subject to this section.
(d) All solar energy systems shall be designed, erected, and instaUed 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 Town
Code.
(5) General requirements.
(a) A building permit shall be required for installaUon of all solar energy systems and, installation must be
performed by a qualified solar installer as approved by the Town Codes Officer.
(b) Solar energy systems, unless a part of a Tier 3 solar energy system, shall be permitted to provide for power
for use by owners, lessees, tenants, residents or other occupants of the premises on which they are erected, but
nothing contained in this provision shall be construed to prohibit the sale of excess power through a net
metering arrangement in accordance with the New York PubUc Service Law or similar state or federal statute.
However, solar energy systems appUcations in a residential setting and serving residential use on a single parcel
or lot shall be limited to 25 kW and 110% of energy consumed on the site in the prior 12 months. Solar energy
system applications serving a commercial or industrial use shall be limited to no more than 110% of the energy
consumed on the site in the prior 12 months.
(c) Issuance of permits and approvals by the Town Board, Planning Board, and Codes Officer shall include
review pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act ECL Article 8 and its implementing
regulaUons at 6 NYCRR Part 617 ("SEQRA").
(d) Prior to operation, electrical connections must be inspected by an appropriate licensed electrical inspection
person or agency, as determined by the Town. An electrical inspector must supply written verification that all
electrical connections pass inspection.
(e) Connection to the public utility grid must be inspected by the appropriate public utility, and proof of
inspection shall be provided to the Town.
(f) Solar energy systems shall be permitted only i f they are determined by the Town not to present any
unreasonable safety risk, including but not limited to weight load, resistance and ingress and egress in the event
of fire or other emergency.
(g) Also, energy systems shall comply with all relevant and applicable provisions of the New York State
Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code Standards.
(h) If storage batteries are included as part of the solar energy system, they must be placed in a secure
container or enclosure under the requirements of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building
Code when in use, and when no longer in use shall be disposed of in accordance with the laws and regulations
ofthe Town and other applicable laws and regulations.
(i) All utility services and electrical wiring/lines shall be placed underground and otherwise be placed within
the walls or unobstructed conduit. Conduits or feeds which are laid on the roof shall be camouflaged to blend
in with the roof and reduce statically objectionable impacts.
(j) If solar energy systems, except for Tier 3 systems which have separate regulations under this section, cease
to perfonn their originally intended function for more than 12 consecutive months, unless extended by the
Town Board, the property owner shall completely remove the system, mounts and all associated equipment
and com^ponents hy-no later than 90 days after written notice is received from .the Town. The Code
DOS-0239-f-l (Rev.04/14) Paqe 4 of 4
Enforcement Officer shall have the right, at any reasonablefimeafter nofice, to enter in company ofthe owner
or his agent to ensure that the solar energy system remains operational.
(k) Design, construcfion, operafion and maintenance of the solar energy system shall prevent direcfion,
misdirection and/or reflecfion of solar arrays and/or glare onto neighboring properties, public roads, public
parks and pubhc buildings.
(1) Prior to the time of the issuance of a solar building permit, the applicant/owner shall demonstrate to the code
enforcement officer a reliable and safe master method for the de-energizing ofthe solar energy system in the
event of an emergency.
(6) Permitting requirements for Tier I solar energy systems. All Tier I solar energy systems shall be permitted in all
zoning districts and shall be exempt from site plan review under this section, subject to the following
condifions for this type of solar energy system:
(a) Roof-mounted solar energy systems.
[1] Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall incorporate the foUowing design
requirements:
[a] Solar panels on pitched roofs shall be mounted with a maximum distance of eight inches between the
roof surface and 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 48
inches above the flat surface of the roof, whichever is higher.
[e] Solar energy systems, to the extent possible, shall have neutral paint colors to achieve harmony with
the surrounding area.
[2] Glare: All solar panels shall have anti-reflecfive coating(s).
(b) Building-integrated solar energy systems shall be shown on the plans submitted for the building permit
application for the building containing the system.
(7) Permitting requirements for Tier 2 solar energy systems.
(a) Districts where aUowed. Tier 2 solar energy systems are permitted in all districts.
[II A solar/building permit and special use permit from the Plarming Board shall be required for the
installation of all ground-mounted solar energy systems.
[21 Front yards.
[a] Ground-mounted solar energy systems are prohibited in front yards. In addition, ground-mounted
solar energy systems shall comply with the most restrictive area, yard and total area/lot coverage
restrictions based on the specific zoning regulation in each applicable zoning district in which the
ground-mounted solar system is constmcted. Further, additional setbacks and yard requirements in
total area/lot coverage restrictions may be required by the Planning Board in order to protect the
public safety, health and welfare,
[b] A front yard, for the purposes of this section, is defmed as a line drawn parallel to the highway drawn
on a point from the comer of the residence or principal structure on the structure closest to the highway.
[31 Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall only be permitted on lots which are 20,000 square feet or larger.
[4] The height of solar collector/panels in any amounts shall not exceed 12 feet in height in Residential Districts
and 12 feet in Industrial and Commercial Districts when orientated at the maximum tilt measured from the
ground, including any base.
[5] As a part of the special use permit review process, the Plaiming Board will determine that a ground-mounted
solar energy system shall be screened to the extent possible from adjoining lots and street rights-of-way
through the use of architectural features, earth berms, landscaping, fencing or other screen which will
harmonize with the character of the property and the surrounding area.
[61 The ground-mounted solar energy system shall be located in a manner to minimize view blockage reasonably
for surrounding properties and shading of property while still providing adequate solar access for the solar
energy system. .-, . .
[7] Neither the ground-mounted solar energy system nor any component thereof shall be cited within any
DOS-0239-f-l (Rev.04/14) Paqe 5 of 4
required buffer area, easement,right-of-wayor setback.
[8] No special use permit shall be issued by the Planning Board unless they determine that the proposed activity
will:
[a] Be consistent with and not impede an appropriate goal or objective of the Town comprehensive Plan.
[b] Be consistent with and not impede the lawful use and development of contiguous and neighboring
properties and not unreasonably affect their enjoyment and value.
(8) Permitting requirements for Tier 3 solar energy systems. Tier 3 solar energy systems are ONLY permitted in
Industrial and Commercial zoning districts, and require the issuance of a special use permit. AU systems are subject
to the site plan application requirements set forth in this secfion. In the granting of a special use permit, the Town
Board will strive to permit the location of Tier 3 solar energy systems in such a manner so that no one area or
neighborhood in the Town would be over-burdened by the placement of Tier 3 solar energy systems.
(a) Applications for the instaUation of Tier 3 solar energy system shall be:
[1] Reviewed by the Code Enforcement Officer for completeness. Applicants shall be advised within 15 business
days of the completeness of their application or any deficiencies that must be addressed prior to substanfive
review.
[2] Subject to a public hearing to hear all comments for and against the application. The Town Board shall
have a notice printed in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town at least 10 days in advance of such
hearing. Applicants shall have delivered the notice by first-class mail to adjoining landowners or landowners
within 400 feet of the property at least 10 days prior to such a hearing. Proof of mailing shall be provided to
the Town Board at the public hearing.
[3] Referred to the County Planning Department pursuant to General Municipal Law§ 239-m and the Town
Planning Board for site plan review and advisory report.
(b) Underground requirements. AU on-site utiUty lines shall be placed underground to the extent feasible and as
permitted by the serving utility, with the exception ofthe 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.
[I] No signage or graphic content shall be displayed on the solar energy systems except the manufacturer's
name, equipment specification informafion, safety information, and twenty-four-hour emergency contact
informafion. Said information shall be depicted within an area no more than eight square feet.
[2] As required by the National Electric Code (NEC), discormect and other emergency shutoff information
shall be clearly displayed on a light-reflective surface. A clearly visible waming sign conceming voltage
shall be placed at the base of all pad-mounted transformers and substations.
(e) Glare. All solar panels shall have anti-reflecfive 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 for one year and/or are not producing electricity for a
period of one year at least 50% of its intended usage, shall be removed at the land owner's and/or operator's
expense which, at the Town's option, may come in part or whole from any security made with the Town.
[2] A decommissioning plan signed by the land 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 from 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.
[d] The Town at its option may obtain its own decommissioning plan, the cost of which shall be paid for
by the applicant.
DOS-0239-f-i (Rev- 04/14) Paqe 6 of 4
[3] Security, Limited Access Agreement, Assessment of Expenses and Insurance.
[a] The Town of Clay recognizes the importance of the need to possess adequate security in an easily
convertible and usable form in the event the Town is forced to act to decommission the arrays and
remediate a property if a permitted operation is abandoned. The Tovm of Clay also recognizes the
long-term nature of some of these projects, and the need to have a full cash security posting before the
Ufe of the project expiration date.
Accordingly, the Town of Clay will require the posting of a significant cash component of the security
amount detennined, in addition to the inifial posting of an irrevocable letter of credit The Town shall
require all applicants to post additional cash with corresponding decreases in the Letter of Credit
posting throughout the term of the project life until the Town has a full cash security posting. The
deposit, executions, or filing with the Town Comptroller of cash or irrevocable Letter of Credh shall
be in an amount set by the Town Engineer, and 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
restorafions of the site subsequent to removal. The amount of the security shall be \25% ofthe cost
of removal of the Tier 3 solar energy system and restoration ofthe property.
[b] In the event of default upon performance of such conditions, after proper notice and expiration of any
cure periods, the cash or Letter of Credit security shall be forfeited to the Town, which shall be entitled
to maintain an action thereon. The cash deposit or security shall remain in full force and effect unfil
restoration of the property as set forth in the decommissioning plan is completed. The Town may also
bring legal action against the applicant for any unrecovered losses.
[c] In the event of default or abandonment of the solar energy system, the system shall be decommissioned
as set forth herein.
[d] Any expenses or losses incurred by the Town and not reimbursed by any security in connection with
the cost of removal of abandoned equipment or other related items and legal fees and expenses shall
be levied and collected in the same manner as provided in the Town Law for the levy and collection
of a special ad valorem levy on the real property on which the solar energy system is located. This
assessment shall be assessed on the next assessment against said property, and the same shall be levied
and collected in the same marmer as the regular Town tax.
[e] Insurance. The applicant and/or owner shall maintain a current insurance policy which will cover the
installafion and operation of the Tier 3 project at all times in the minimum amount of $5,000,000.00
property and personal liability coverage and provide proof of such policy to the Town on an annual
basis. The Town of Clay shall be an additional insured and proof of same shall be provided to the
Town each year.
[f] Limited Site Access Agreement. The Town of Clay shall require all applicants to enter into a Limited
Site Access Agreement upon the posting of security to ensure the Town may access the property in
the event the Town is forced to act to decommission the project. The Agreement shall be prepared by
the Town Attomey in a form and content acceptable to the Town Board.
(9) Site plan application. For any solar energy system requiring a special use permit, site plan approval shall be
required. Any site plan appUcation shall include the following information:
(a) Property lines and physical features, including roads, and all improvements for the project site as shown on a
current survey prepared and signed by a Ucensed surveyor.
(b) Proposed changes to the landscape of the site, grading, vegetation clearing and planting, exterior lighting, and
screening vegetation or structures.
(c) A one- or three-line electrical diagram detailing the solar energy system layout, solar collector installafion,
associated components, and electrical interconnection methods, with all National Electrical Code-compliant
disconnects and over-current devices.
(d) 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 a building permit.
(e) Name, address, and contact information of the proposed or potential system instaUer 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 a building pennit. -
DOS-0239-f-l (Rev. 04/14) Paqe 7 of 4
areas, etc.
[m] A plan for clearing and/or grading of the site and a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP)
for the site.
[n] Documentation of utility notificafion, including an electric service order number.
1. The manufacturer's or installer's identification and appropriate waming signage shall be posted at
the site and be clearly visible,
[o] Solar energy systems shall be marked in order to provide emergency responders with appropriate
waming and guidance with respect to isolating the electric systems. Materials used for marking shall be
weather resistant. The marking shall be placed adjacent to the main service-disconnect location clearly
visible from the location where the lever is operated,
[p] The height of the solar panel array shall conform to the height restrictions for an accessory stmcture
in the applicable zoning district, but in no case shall exceed 12 feet measured from the ground, and
including any base or supporting materials. Neutral paint colors, materials and textures may be
required for Tier 3 project components, buildings and structures to achieve visual harmony with the
surrounding area.
[q] The design, construction, operation and maintenance of the solar energy system shall prevent the
direction, misdirection and/or reflection of solar rays and/or glare onto neighboring properties, public
roads, public parks and public buildings,
[r] Artificial lighting of solar arms shall be Umited to lighting required for safety and operational
purposes, shall be shielded from all neighboring properties and public roads,
[s] Noise. To the extent possible, all equipment that produces noise shall be placed in the center of the
solar array. Further, and at the property line of any solar energy system, the noise level shall not exceed
60 dB.
(10) Special use permit.
(a) Lot size.
[1] The property on which a Tier 3 solar energy system is placed shall meet the lot size
requirements of the imderlying zoning district.
[2] Tier 2 solar energy systems are only permitted on lots which are 20,000 square feet or
larger.
(b) Setbacks.
[1] All Tier 3 solar energy systems shall be set back at least 100 feet from all property lines unless the solar
energy system crosses multiple lots, then 100 feet from the exterior perimeter of the combined lots.
[2] Tier 2 setbacks are as permitted in the Code.
(c) Height.
[1] The height of all Tier 3 systems shall not exceed 12 feet.
[2] See Subsection for Tier 2 solar energy projects.
(d) Lot coverage.
[I] The following components of a Tier 3 solar energy system shall be considered included in the calculations
for lot coverage requirements:
[a] Foundation systems, typically consisting of driven piles or monopoles or helical screws with or
without small concrete collars.
[b] All mechanical equipment of the solar energy system, including any pad- mounted stmcture for
batteries, switchboard, transformers, or storage cells.
[c] Paved access roads servicing the solar energy system.
[d] All area within the fenced-in perimeter.
[2] Lot coverage of Tier 3 solar energy system, as defined above, shall not exceed 50% of the lot
[3] Lot coverage for Tier 2 solar energy systems shall not exceed the maximum lot coverage requirement of
the underlying zoning district except as modified by Subsection 7(a)[2][a] of this section.
(e) Fencing requirements. All mechanical equipment, including any structure for storage batteries, shall be
enclosed by a seven-foot-high fence, as required by NEC, with a self-locking gate to prevent unauthorized
access.
(f) Screening and visibility. _
DOS-0239-f-l (Rev. 04/14) Paqe 9 of 4
[1] Solar energy systems smaUer 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.
[2] Solar energy systems larger than 10 acres shall be required to:
[a] 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, may be required to be submitted by the applicant.
[b] 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.
1. The screening and landscaping plan shall specify the locafions, 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 Town.
(11) Ownership changes. Ifthe owner or operator ofthe 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 aU 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 Town of such change in ownership or operator within
10 days of the ownership change by certified mail to both the Town Clerk and Town Supervisor and addressed
to the Clay Town Hall.
(12) Safety.
(a) Solar energy systems and solar energy equipment shall be certified under the appUcable 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, ifthe 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, shaU be disposed of in
accordance with the laws and regulations of the Town and any applicable federal, state, or county laws or
regulations.
(13) Permit time frame and abandonment.
(a) The special use permit and site plan approval for a solar energy system shall be valid for a period of 12 months
after issue. In the event a Building Permits not issued or significant construction is not in progress in
accordance with the final site plan and special permit within the 12 month period, the Town Board may
extend the time to pull a permit or complete construction for an additional 90 days by resolufion of the
Board. Ifthe expiration fime is not extended by the Town Board, all approvals shall become "null and void".
(b) If there is no electricity generation of a solar energy system on a continuous basis for 12 months and/or the
reduction of proposed usage in the amount of 50% for 12 months, the Town may nofify and instruct the land
owner and/or operator ofthe solar energy system to implement the decommissioning plan. Decommissioning
must be completed within 250 days of notificafion, unless extended by the Town Board.
(c) If the owner and/or operator fails to comply with decommissioning upon any abandonment, the Town may at
its discretion, utilize the cash and or Letter of Credit for the removal of the solar energy system and restoration
of the site in accordance with the decommissioning plan.
(14) Enforcement. Any violation ofthis solar energy law 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.
(15) SeverabiUty. The invaUdity or unenforceability of any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, provision,
or phrase ofthe aforementioned sections, as declared by the valid judgment of any court of competent jurisdiction
to be unconsfitutional, 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.
(16) Waiver. The Town Board may, under appropriate conditions or circumstances, and in its absolute discretion,
waive one or more ofthe submission requir-ements contained herein.
DOS-0239-f-l ( R e v 04/14) Paqe 10 of
(17) Fees. Fees for application are those as established by the Town of Clay, and it shall be the responsibility ofthe
applicant to reimburse the Town for any and all reasonable and necessary legal, engineering and other professional
fees incurred by the Town in reviewing and administering an application for a solar energy system under this
section.
(If additional space is needed, attach pages the same size as this sheet, and number each.)
DOS-0239-f-l ( R e v 04/14) Paqe 11 of
(Complete the certification in the paragraph that applies to the filing o f t h i s local law and
strike out that which is not applicable.)
1. (Fin^l adoption by local legislative body only.)
1 hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No. 1 (one) of 2022 of
the T o w n of Clay was duly passed by the
TOWN BOARD On March 7, 2022 in accordance with the applicable
(Name ofLegislative Body)
provisions of law.
2. (Passage by local legislative body with approval, no disapproval or repassage after disapproval by the Elective
Chief Executive Officer*.)
1 hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No. of 20. of
the (County)(City)(Town)(Village) of was duly passed by the
on 20 and was (approved){not approved)
(Name of Legislative Body)
(repassed after disapproval) by the ^^and was deemed duly adopted
(Elective Chief Executive Officer*)
on 20 , in accordance w ith the applicable provisions of law.
3. (Final adoption by referendum.)
1 hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No. of 20 of
the (County)(City){Town)(Village) of was duly passed by the
on 20 and was (approved){not approved)
(Name ofLegislative Body)
(repassed after disapproval) by the ^on 20
(Elective Chief Executive Officer*)
Such local law was submitted to the people by reason of a (mandatQry)(permissive) referendum, and received the affirmative
vote of a majority of the qualified electors voting thereon at the (general)(special)(annual) election held on
20 in accordance with the applicable provisions of law.
4. (Subject to permissive referendum and final adoption because no valid petition w a s filed requesting referendum.)
I hereby certify thatthe local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No. of 20 of
the (County)(City)(Town)(Village) of was duly passed by the
on 20 , and was (approved)(not approved)
(Name ofLegislative Body)
(repassed afterdisapproval) b y t h e ^on 20 Such local
(Elective Chief Executive Ofncer*)
law was subject to permissive referendum and no valid petition requesting such referendum was filed as of
20 in accordance with the appiicable provisions of law.
* Elective Chief Executive Otficer means or includes the chief executive officer of a county elected on a county-wide basis or, if there
be none, the chairperson of the county legislative body, the mayor of a city or village, or the supervisor of a town where such officer is
vested with the power to approve or veto local laws or ordinances.
DOS-0239-f-l (F?ev 04/14) Paqe 12 of
5. (City iocai law concerning Charter revision proposed by petition.)
I hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No. of 20 of
the City of having been submitted to referendum pursuant to the provisions of section (36)(37) of the
Municipal Home Rule Law, and having received the affirmative vote of a majority of the qualified electors of such city voting
thereon atthe (special){general) election held on 20 , became operative.
6. (County local law concerning adoption of Charter.)
1 hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No. of 20 of the
County of State of New York, having been submitted to the electors at the General Election of
November 20 pursuant to subdivisions 5 and 7 of section 33 of the Municipal Home Rule Law, and having
received the affirmative vote of a majority of the qualified electors of the cities of said county as a unit and a majority of the
qualified electors of the towns of said county considered as a unit voting at said general eiection, became operative.
(If any other authorized form of final adoption has been followed, please provide an appropriate certification.)
I further certify that I have compared the preceding local law with the original on file in this office and that the same is a
correct transcript therefrom and of the whole of such original local law, and was finally adopted in the manner indicated in
paragraph, above.
Jill Hageman-Clai/k -j Town Clerk
Clerk ofthe countyUs^islative body, City, Town or Village Clerk or
officer designated by local legislative body
(S&afJ- Date: ?>\\^\ZDZ%
DOS-0239-f-l (Rev.04/14) • Paqe 13 of
L O C A L LAW NO. 1 O F T H E Y E A R 2022
TOWN O F C L A Y
L O C A L L A W N O . 1 O F T H E Y E A R 2022 E N A C T I N G and A M E N D I N G C H A P T E R 230-20
E N T I T L E D "ZONING" O F T H E C O D E O F T H E TOWN O F C L A Y .
IT IS ENACTED by the Town Board of the Town of Clay, County of Onondaga and
State ofNew York, as follows:
AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 230-20, ZONING, entitled Local Law No. 1 ofthe Year
2022, Enacting and Amending ofthe Code ofthe Town of Clay by adding section titled "SOLAR
ENERGY SYSTEMS" and to delete paragraph "K" titled "Agricultural Resources" inadvertently
included in the initial draft ofthe proposed law and published on the Town Website.
The purpose o f t h i s local law is to define, promote and regulate Solar Energy Systems to
maintain the rural character ofthe Town of Clay while integrating solar energy usage i n the
Town while minimizing the visual impact on the community.
(SEE ATTACHED LOCAL LAW NO 1 OF 2022)
This local law shall take effect upon filing with the Secretary of State.