Policy Library

Model Small-Scale Solar Siting Ordinance

Residential solar

A model ordinance by the Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School for small-scale solar PV and solar thermal installations in urban environments. Includes a discussion of access, rights and zoning districts. To view the ordinance, click here.

Small Wind Energy System Ordinance

Small wind turbine

A model wind ordinance funded in part by the Wisconsin based Focus on Energy program. Applicable to small (less than 100 kW and/or less than 170 feet tall) installations in urban environments. To view the ordinance, click here.

City of Novi, Ordinance No. 18.237 (Wind)

Wind and driving

Establishes guidelines for siting wind turbines. Provides definitions, siting and design, application, safety requirements of small and medium sized wind turbine installations. To view the ordinance, click here.

Model Municipal Wind Siting Ordinance

A model ordinance by the Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School. This ordinance covers wind turbine siting for turbines of varying sizes in both rural and urban environments. Click here to view the fact sheet    

Vermont Streamlines Solar Regulations

Solar panels and sky

Vermont legislators enacted a bill recently that streamlines the process for small-scale solar installations, opening the door for residential and commercial customers to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with less red tape. “Aside from time, a recent report produced by SunRun estimated that permitting adds roughly $2,500 to the cost of an average residential installation.” – from Read more…

Sustainable Buildings Ordinance

sustainable buildings model ordinance

This concise document by the Sustainable Cities Institute outlines what should be considered when creating building ordinances. Source: Sustainable Cities Institute