[MassHistPres] Solar Energy Systems

Mon Dec 8 16:28:49 EST 2008

The relevant language is as follows:

" No zoning ordinance or by-law shall prohibit or unreasonably regulate 
the installation of solar energy systems or the building of structures 
that facilitate the collection of solar energy, except where necessary 
to protect the public health, safety or welfare."

and can be read at http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/40a-3.htm

Marilyn Fenollosa

Judi Barrett (Home Office) wrote:

> The consultant is referring to Chapter 40A, s. 3 (zoning).
> Judi Barrett
> Director of Planning
> Community Opportunities Group, Inc.
> 129 Kingston Street, Third Floor
> Boston, MA 02111
> Boston Office: (617) 542-3300, ext. 308
> Home Office: (781) 834-7324
> Cell: (617) 455-8641
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *From:* masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu 
> [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] *On Behalf Of *blever3043 at aol.com
> *Sent:* Monday, December 08, 2008 1:59 PM
> *To:* masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
> *Subject:* Re: [MassHistPres] Solar Energy Systems
>
> In Newton an installation not very visible from the street was 
> approved on a new house in one of our local districts. We have another 
> application pending on a historic building, so I am also interested in 
> the experiences of others. A solar consultant quoted some chapter to 
> me (not 40C) stating it was illegal to unduly restrain solar 
> installations. Has anyone heard of that as well.
> Brian Lever
> In a message dated 12/6/2008 1:40:28 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, 
> Dcolebslade at aol.com <mailto:Dcolebslade at aol.com> writes:
>
>     *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*
>
>
>     -----Original Message-----
>     From: Dcolebslade at aol.com
>     To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
>     Sent: Sat, 6 Dec 2008 1:37 pm
>     Subject: [MassHistPres] Solar Energy Systems
>
> *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=2 0addition 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*
> **
> 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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