SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2846        FILED ON: 11/19/2021

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 2596

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

_________________

PRESENTED BY:

Joanne M. Comerford

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act allowing municipalities to reasonably regulate solar siting.

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PETITION OF:

 

Name:

District/Address:

 

Joanne M. Comerford

Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester

 

Adam G. Hinds

Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden

 

Eric P. Lesser

First Hampden and Hampshire

12/27/2021

Anne M. Gobi

Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Middlesex

1/11/2022

Michelle M. DuBois

10th Plymouth

1/11/2022


SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2846        FILED ON: 11/19/2021

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 2596

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2596) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Joanne M. Comerford and Adam G. Hinds for legislation to allow municipalities to reasonably regulate solar siting.  Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

 

_______________

In the One Hundred and Ninety-Second General Court
(2021-2022)

_______________

 

An Act allowing municipalities to reasonably regulate solar siting.

 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

Section 3 of chapter 40A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the ninth paragraph, in lines 123 to 126, inclusive, and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-

No zoning ordinance or by-law shall prohibit or unreasonably regulate the installation of solar energy systems or the building of structures that facilitate the collection of solar energy for residential purposes except where necessary to protect the public health, safety or welfare. Commercial, governmental, and non-residential solar energy structures and systems may be reasonably regulated for purposes of (i) protecting public health, safety and welfare; (ii) preserving forested lands, agricultural lands, or wetlands; or (iii) ensuring compatibility with municipal zoning.