City of Mount Vernon, NY Solar Roadmap

Initial Status: There is a standard building permit application form, but nothing specific to PV currently

Guidance: Consider adopting a standard application form specific to solar PV for qualifying projects under 10kW.

Initial Status: City uses a standard building permit application form; nothing specific to solar

Guidance: Consider adopting the NYS Unified Solar Permit, which simplifies permitting for PV systems under 12kW.

Initial Status: Application form is available online, by email, or in person

Initial Status: In person submittal is required

Guidance: Allow email submittal of permit application forms for qualifying projects, particularly those using the Unified Permit if adopted per goal P1-NY.

Initial Status: Only a single submittal is required

Initial Status: The City website has info on the permit process, though nothing specific to solar

Guidance: Permitting and inspection information is found under the "Buildings" section of the website and includes an FAQ, downloadable forms, fee information, and contact info. Consider adding info on solar specific processes or standards, if applicable.

Initial Status: Typical turnaround times unknown, TBD

Guidance: Consider an expedited or over-the-counter permit approval process for qualifying PV projects meeting certain eligibility criteria.

Initial Status: Valuation system. $90 base fee plus $6/$1K.

Guidance: For a typical residential system costing $20K, the permit fee will be $210. This is a reasonable assessment.

Initial Status: Valuation system. $90 base fee plus $6/$1K.

Guidance: Though reasonable, this could become cost prohibitive for larger commercial installations, particularly those over about 30kW. Consider capping the permit fee for commercial solar projects.

Initial Status: Typical turnaround time unknown, TBD

Guidance: Perform inspection within 2 business days of request.

Initial Status: Appointment format unknown, TBD

Guidance: Provide an appointment window of 2 hours or less if possible. Provide real time updates prior to arrival so contractor is aware and prepared.

Initial Status: Separate inspections required for roof penetrations and electrical/structural final

Guidance: For additional preliminary inspections, consider conducting in a manner that does not require installer to halt work.

Initial Status: No inspection checklist currently in use

Guidance: Utilize a standard inspection checklist for PV systems. The checklist serves as a guide for inspectors and installers containing points of emphasis and common issues.

Initial Status: Structural PE approval is required for all systems

Guidance: For qualifying residential systems on code approved residences meeting certain criteria, consider allowing an exemption from structural analysis or structural PE stamp requirements. This follows the guidance in the Unified Solar Permit, where an exemption from the PE letter is allowed if checklist questions #11-13 are satisfied and if the installation uses an engineered racking system.

Initial Status: 2010 Residential Code of New York State and the 2008 National Electrical Code

Guidance: Though the City is a couple code cycles behind, building officials seem knowledgeable on current solar standards. For ongoing education, see the links under the 'Take Action' button at right.

Initial Status: City Code Ch 267-14-K has provision for solar

Guidance: New construction on any lot which would block access to sunlight between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for existing approved solar energy collectors or for solar energy collectors for which a permit has been issued is prohibited except by permission from the Board of Appeals on a showing that other arrangements are infeasible or impractical or that the degree of blocking is negligible.

Initial Status: The Zoning code provisions are a great start in helping maintain solar access

Guidance: Consider taking the next step by exploring creation of municipal ordinances which require new homes and buildings to be built solar-ready. See examples under the 'Take Action' link at right.

Guidance: Explore implementing solar mandates for new construction for all buildings or a segment of the new building stock. See examples of cities who have pioneered this approach under the 'Take Action' link at right.

Initial Status: The 2011 Comprehensive Plan contains a section for Sustainability and Energy Use

Initial Status: The City Code states that solar installations are subject to planning board review, though no undue provisions seem to be present

Guidance: The zoning code does not specifically address design standards specific to solar, but the general regulations do not restrict solar in any significant way.

Initial Status: Zoning code for historic and viewshed areas does not specifically address solar.

Guidance: Ensure the zoning codes and ordinances that govern solar installations in aesthetically sensitive areas do not adversely affect property owners' ability to install solar. Allow staff members to review and approve applications when possible rather than requiring committee or planning commission review.

Initial Status: Not clear whether any private groups in Mount Vernon have restrictive policies for solar - TBD

Guidance: Work with condo owner and homeowners associations to ensure that their covenant, conditions, and restrictions and bylaws do not create undue barriers to solar installations.

Guidance: Support efforts to ensure state-level utility regulations do not restrict these finance mechanisms.

Guidance: Support efforts to ensure state-level utility regulations allow community solar projects.

Guidance: Encourage efforts to set up a regional utility-sponsored Community Solar Program. If Community Solar is proven to be viable in the region, jurisdiction could assist in helping to recruit subscribers through existing networks.

Guidance: Support efforts to develop state-level legislation enabling local PACE programs.

Initial Status: City is an Energy Improvement Corporation member, which allows EIC to offer financing for local projects

Guidance: Learn more here: http://energizeny.org/eic

Initial Status: Effective finance options are prevalent in Mount Vernon, and vendor provided finance is widely available

Initial Status: Some awareness within the community currently

Guidance: Publicize the availability of local solar finance options and solar evaluation tools for potential buyers. This can be done via webinars, marketing materials, or by providing links and information online.

Initial Status: No such programs have been deployed in Mount Vernon

Guidance: Support the creation of a working group of community leaders and funding providers. This group would evaluate options and determine the most viable approach for aggregating residential solar based on best practices to date. Follow the model used in the Solarize Westchester campaigns run in neighboring communities.

Guidance: Establish a working group of businesses and commercial property owners to leverage their solar purchasing power by aggregating facilities for solar evaluation and procurement to reduce energy costs while demonstrating community leadership.

Initial Status: No such campaigns previously

Guidance: Consider collaborating with agencies across the region to aggregate government facilities, including municipal buildings and schools, for solar evaluation and cost-effective procurement to demonstrate leadership and reduce energy costs while strengthening the economy and environment. Consider following the model developed by the Municipal Solar Buyers Group: http://sustainablewestchester.org/community-toolkits/muni-solar-buyers-group

Initial Status: No known municipal solar installations to date

Guidance: Establish a working group to identify solar feasibility at landfills, water treatment plants, or other municipal properties. Consider working with other local agencies on a collaborative procurement to reduce costs per goal [M3]. The Solar Roadmap team can help by evaluating solar potential at City properties.

Guidance: Establish a working group to explore solar development options across the state, following the best practices and case studies provided. Share information with market stakeholders.

Guidance: Provide online access to training programs and resources for the installer community and potential workforce and organize an outreach and/or training event in order to generate awareness and understanding.

Initial Status: Though the City publishes limited solar information, it is effectively promoted through Sustainable Westchester and other regional sources

Guidance: See related goal F7 for additional content which may be useful to residents looking to go solar

Initial Status: Limited awareness of these tools locally.

Guidance: Help promote the availability of innovative market development tools for the residential, commercial, and municipal solar markets through existing networks.