Union, NY Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Chapter 161, the Renewable Energy Systems Law (L.L. No. 1-2025, adopted 3-19-2025), applies only to the Town of Union outside the Villages of Endicott and Johnson City. Section 161-5(A) bars installing or operating any small-scale system except in compliance with the chapter. Small-scale means systems producing up to 25 kilowatts per hour of energy, as the definition prints it, including any rooftop or building-mounted system.

Section 161-5(B)(1) permits rooftop and building-mounted collectors in all zoning districts, with building permits or unified solar permits required for every installation. Town height limits do not apply to the collectors, but they can extend only two feet above a flat roof, or above the parapet wall if it is higher than two feet, and cannot obstruct neighboring solar access. Flat-roof placement is allowed as of right if panels do not extend horizontally past the roofline.

An applicant for a unified solar permit files with the Code Enforcement Officer on the Code Enforcement Office form, which includes an eligibility checklist. The package needs a site plan showing arrays, electrical service, meters, inverters, orientation, tilt and fire-code access pathways, a one-line or three-line electrical diagram, and specification sheets for manufactured components. Plans must be prepared by a professional engineer or registered architect as New York law requires, and must show the project address, section, block and lot, owner's name, address and phone, preparer's information and system capacity in kW-DC.

The Town issues determinations within 14 days of a complete and accurate application, gives feedback within seven days on incomplete ones, and provides a single inspection within seven days of request if one is required. Section 161-4(F) requires a certificate of compliance before energization, and § 161-5(D)(2) requires electrical connections to be inspected by the Code Enforcement Officer or Building Inspector. If a building permit is denied over a conflict with other town laws, the applicant can appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals under § 161-5(D)(8).