Amherst, NY Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Amherst's Solar Energy Law, added in 2017 and amended in 2020, requires a building permit for all solar energy systems under § 6-10-4(A), with no exemption for small residential rooftop arrays. Section 6-10-4(B) requires that installation be performed by a qualified solar installer, that a Town Building Inspector inspect the system before a Certificate of Compliance is issued, and that any grid interconnection get separate approval from the utility. Roof-mounted systems are permitted in every zoning district with no size threshold beyond the state Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, and under § 6-10-5(C) they generally do not need separate site plan approval unless ground-mounted equipment like storage batteries is added.

Panels facing a public right-of-way must sit flush with the roof pitch, no more than 18 inches above the roof surface at the highest edge. Ground-mounted systems are tiered by footprint: Tier I is 2,000 square feet or less and is permitted as an accessory use in every district with only a 10-foot side and rear setback; Tier II runs up to 7,000 square feet; Tier III is 7,000 square feet or more and requires the developer to send written notice of intent to the Town Supervisor, Town Attorney and Planning Director.

All ground-mounted systems max out at 20 feet in height at maximum tilt, must sit in side or rear yards only, and must be removed within 150 days if the system sits idle for more than 12 consecutive months.