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Bill > S610
NJ S610
NJ S610Prohibits municipal zoning ordinances from regulating solar panels under certain circumstances; limits fees for certain renewable energy installations.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would supplement the "Municipal Land Use Law" to prohibit a municipality from adopting an ordinance which limits the right of a property owner to install solar panels on a residential property under certain circumstances. A municipal ordinance would not be authorized to regulate the installation of photovoltaic solar energy systems when: 1) in the case of a roof mounted system, the panels, and all accessory equipment, extend 12 inches or less beyond the edge of the roofline or above the highest point of the roof surface or structure; or 2) in the case of a surface level or ground mounted system, the system consists of 10 or less photovoltaic panels and is situated more than 50 feet from the nearest property boundary line. Section 2 of the bill would provide that a municipal ordinance regulating the installation of a photovoltaic solar energy system or small wind energy system on residential property shall not require payment of a fee that exceeds the municipality's costs for reviewing and approving an application pertaining to the installation or operation of a system. The purpose of section 2 of the bill is to prevent municipalities from imposing excessive fees unrelated to application and review costs because it is the State's policy to encourage installation of photovoltaic solar energy systems wherever possible in the State and to discourage actions that would have a chilling effect on such installations.
AI Summary
This bill aims to encourage the installation of solar panels on residential properties by limiting how local governments, or municipalities, can regulate them through zoning ordinances. Specifically, a municipality cannot prohibit the installation of solar panels if they are roof-mounted and extend no more than 12 inches beyond the roof's edge or above its highest point, or if they are ground-mounted systems with 10 or fewer panels located more than 50 feet from a property line. A "photovoltaic solar panel" is defined as a device that converts sunlight into electricity. The bill also addresses fees, stating that any municipal fee for reviewing and approving the installation or operation of solar panels or small wind energy systems (which are defined elsewhere as wind turbines designed for residential use) cannot exceed the municipality's actual costs for that review process, preventing excessive charges that might discourage installations.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S610 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/610_I1.HTM |
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