NEW YORK STATE PERMITTING

CUNY, in a collaborative effort under the NY-Sun Initiative, worked with NYSERDA, NYPA and jurisdictions across the state to develop the initial NYS Unified Solar Permit form, based upon the Long Island Unified Solar Permit Initiative as well as the Solar America Board for Codes and Standards’ national best practices. 

The current version of the NYS Unified Solar Permit can be found in NYSERDA’s Solar Guidebook for Local Governments which includes a wealth of resources for becoming a solar-friendly community including the NYS Unified Solar Permit Application and Field Inspection Checklist. Local governments can pass legislation to adopt the NYS Unified Solar Permit to reduce costs and delays for solar projects in the jurisdiction.

Currently large commercial applications are handled on a case by case basis by municipalities.

New York City Solar Permitting

Sustainable CUNY of the City University of New York (CUNY) worked with the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB), which issues work permits for solar installations in the 5 boroughs, to provide this comprehensive guide that solar PV installers will need in order to navigate the permitting process. NYC Solar Permitting Process Guide