Bill > H2331

This bill modifies an existing Massachusetts law regarding zoning regulations for solar energy systems by allowing municipalities more flexibility in how they regulate solar installations. Specifically, the bill prohibits local zoning ordinances from unreasonably blocking or restricting residential solar energy systems, except when such restrictions are necessary to protect public health, safety, or welfare. For commercial, governmental, and non-residential solar energy structures and systems, municipalities are granted broader regulatory powers, including the ability to create reasonable regulations to protect public health and safety, preserve important land types like forests, agricultural lands, and wetlands, and ensure that solar installations are compatible with existing municipal zoning requirements. The change aims to balance the promotion of solar energy development with local governments' needs to maintain appropriate land use standards, effectively making it easier for residential properties to install solar systems while providing municipalities with some oversight for larger-scale solar projects.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2331