A hearing for the new Vestal Solar Law was held on June 18, 2025 in the Vestal Town Hall. Many residents voiced their opinions on the new law.
The public hearing will continue at the next Town Board meeting on June 25, 2025 at 6 pm at the Vestal Town Hall, during the regular Town Board meeting. Residents will have another opportunity to speak to the Town Board in person at the meeting on June 25th, or may email any Board member to voice their opinion. The final vote on the new Solar Law will take place on June 25th, after the hearing.
Overview of the new Solar Law:
The new Solar Law is designed to allow as much commercial solar energy production as possible, while protecting residents.
Solar will be allowed in every area of Vestal, but in appropriate ways in appropriate places.
Residential areas will remain residential. Solar energy production for personal use will continue as it is now.
Commercial solar energy production will be allowed in areas that are zoned as “Commercial Development”, “Industrial”, or “Industrial Development”. In those areas: Large solar farms will be allowed on parcels of 4 acres or more. Smaller commercial solar energy production will also be allowed, on smaller parcels and as enhancements to existing businesses.
There will be a new review process for all commercial solar.
All commercial solar projects will go through the normal, rigorous review process by our Code Department, Town Engineer, and Planning Board.
After a commercial solar project has gone through that process, it will now go to the Town Board.
The Town Board will conduct the final review.
The new Solar Law requires careful review of each project to protect the environment, ensure safety, and minimize the impact on our residents. Special attention will be given to:
Aquifer protection
Tree preservation
Stormwater management
Visual Impact assessment
Screening
Setbacks
Noise analysis
Wetland preservation
Floodplains and flood prone area protection
Environmentally critical/sensitive area protection
Historical artifact preservation
Drainage systems
Erosion control
And many other protections
The new Solar Law also contains extensive regulations and protections regarding decommissioning.
The Town Board encourages residents to read the new Solar Law and encourages them to email them if they have any questions, concerns, or with their opinions.
Read the new Vestal Solar Law
A message from the Town Supervisor, Maria Sexton:
We have worked very hard, and truly done our best, to ensure that this New Solar Law ensures safety, allows the maximum amount of commercial solar production in appropriate areas, and minimizes the impact on our residents.
I want to thank all the residents who helped us in this effort. We have listened to you throughout this process and incorporated your ideas and suggestions.
The protection of our residents, and responsible development, is a priority for all of the members of the Vestal Town Board. We believe that this new Solar Law achieves the balance that is necessary.