Southampton Town Board Continues Discussion On Permits For Solar Energy Systems

Some Southampton Town officials think a new Long Island-wide initiative to fast track approvals for solar energy systems could be too costly for homeowners.

The legislation, called the “Long Island Unified Solar Permitting Initiative,” is a permitting process aimed at streamlining approvals and installations for residential solar electric and hot water systems. It is being backed by the Long Island Power Authority and planning officials in both Suffolk and Nassau counties.

The Southampton Town Board has been considering the proposal since the beginning of the month. Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst and Councilman Chris Nuzzi have hesitated on the measure, balking at a requirement that homeowners submit sketches of solar energy systems that are certified by an architect or professional engineer.

That’s a cost that could range from $500 to $1,000, according to Chief Building Inspector Michael Benincasa, who reported the information at a Southampton Town Board work session earlier this month.

Matters became more complicated at a Town Board meeting on Tuesday, December 13, when Town Attorney Katie Garvin told board members that the town hasn’t been complying with state building standards when issuing approvals for the solar energy systems. Currently, only an electrical permit is issued for the systems, but officials from the New York State Department of State advised Councilwoman Nancy Graboski, who has spearheaded the proposal, that a building permit should be required for approvals for the systems.

Board members had a lengthy discussion on the legislation last week. Mike Bailis, the co-owner of SUNation Solar Systems, an Oakdale-based business with a site in Water Mill, spoke in favor of the initiative—including the requirement that drawings are signed off by an engineer or architect. He admitted that while getting approvals for solar energy systems in Southampton Town is easier compared to other municipalities, an engineer or architect’s stamp of approval ends up protecting homeowners from “unscrupulous contractors.”

He urged the board to approve the proposed law.

“What this resolution is about is about simplifying the process and making it easier for us,” Mr. Bailis said.

The Town Board voted to adjourn the public hearing to a meeting on Thursday, December 22 at 10 a.m. Ms. Graboski said she plans to call for a vote on the legislation at the meeting.