Clarkstown, NY Solar Energy: Expedited Solar Permitting (2026)

Section 247-9, "Solar Panel Fast-Track Program," tells applicants that "the expedited solar permitting process uses a unified permit across municipalities in New York State," and that a single combined building and electrical permit for a grid-tied photovoltaic system issues once the forms are properly completed, plans are submitted and the municipality signs off. Every applicant must submit the Unified Solar Permit Eligibility Checklist, annexed to the chapter as Attachment 1, along with three sets of plans. Those plans must include a site plan showing the array, existing electrical service location, utility meter, inverter location, system orientation, tilt angle, and any access pathways that need to comply with the New York State Fire Code; a one-line or three-line electrical diagram (the same one used for a NYSERDA incentive application or a utility interconnection agreement satisfies this); and specification sheets for every manufactured component, which the Building Inspector may accept as a web link instead of a paper attachment.

All diagrams and plans must also state the project address, section/block/lot, the owner's contact information, the plan preparer's contact information, and the system's DC capacity in kW. Section 247-10 makes clear the fast-track program does not excuse compliance with other applicable chapters, including Chapter 270 and the Chapter 249A stormwater rules, so a project that also disturbs 10,000 square feet or more of land still needs a separate stormwater pollution prevention plan even while moving through the expedited track.