SECTION 1. Chapter 40A of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 3 the following new subsection:- No zoning ordinance or by-law shall prohibit or unreasonably regulate the installation of alternative and renewable energy systems for electricity, heating, cooling or hot water or the building of structures that facilitate the use of alternative and renewable energy systems for electricity, heating, cooling or hot water, except where necessary to protect the public health, safety or welfare.
Chapter 40A of the General Laws is hereby further amended by adding the following new subsection:- A municipality may require any person or entity that applies for a permit to build a new structure or for renovation of a portion of a building that is equal to or greater than 50 per cent of the building area or to replace a pre-existing structure to include as part of the application for planning board approval, if applicable, and otherwise for a building permit a plan that uses alternative and renewable energy sources and an analysis of the feasibility and cost of installing such a system compared with a fossil fueled energy system.
SECTION 2. Section 23C of Chapter 184 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after the words “use of” the following: (i) Section 23C of Chapter 184 of the General Laws is hereby further amended by inserting after the words “solar energy” the following: , or (ii) an alternative or renewable energy system, powered in whole or in part by the sun, wind, water, biomass, alcohol, or any renewable, non-depletable or recyclable fuel.
SECTION 3. Section 45B of Chapter 59 of the General Laws, is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph at the end:-Any heat pump system being utilized as a primary or auxiliary power system for the purpose of heating or otherwise supplying the energy needs of property taxable under this chapter; provided, however, that such exemption shall be allowed only for a period of twenty years from the date of the installation of such system or device.
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