[MassHistPres] Solar Energy Systems

[Dcolebslade at aol.com]

I note the following relevant parts of Chapter 40C:7 and of Chapter  40A:1A.
 
Could we have feedback on experience in other historic districts on  granting 
or not granting certificates for solar energy systems?
 
Thank you.
Betty Slade, Westport
 
 

Chapter 40C, Section C:7, lines 13-17.
 
 
Chapter 40C: Section 7. Factors to be considered by  commission 

Section 7. In passing upon matters before it the commission shall consider,  
among other things, the historic and architectural value and significance of 
the  site, building or structure, the general design, arrangement, texture, 
material  and color of the features involved, and the relation of such features 
to similar  features of buildings and structures in the surrounding area. In 
the case of new  construction or additions to existing buildings or structures 
the commission  shall consider the appropriateness of the size and shape of the 
building or  structure both in relation to the land area upon which the 
building or structure  is situated and to buildings and structures in the vicinity, 
and the commission  may in appropriate cases impose dimensional and set-back 
requirements in  addition to those required by applicable ordinance or by-law. 
When  ruling on applications for certificates of appropriateness for solar 
energy  systems, as defined in section one A of chapter forty A, the commission 
shall  also consider the policy of the commonwealth to encourage the use of 
solar  energy systems and to protect solar access. The commission shall not  
consider interior arrangements or architectural features not subject to public  
view.  
The commission shall not make any recommendation or requirement except for  
the purpose of preventing developments incongruous to the historic aspects or  
the architectural characteristics of the surroundings and of the historic  
district. 
 
 
Chapter 40A, Section 1A
_http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/40a-1a.htm_ 
(http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/40a-1a.htm) 
 
 
Chapter 40A: Section 1A. Definitions 

Section 1A. As used in this chapter the following words shall have the  
following meanings:  
“Solar access”, the access of a solar energy system to direct sunlight.  
“Solar energy system”, a device or structural design feature, a substantial  
purpose of which is to provide daylight for interior lighting or provide for 
the  collection, storage and distribution of solar energy for space heating or 
 cooling, electricity generating, or water  heating

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