New York Assembly Bill A00217

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Prohibits local governments from prohibiting the construction, installation, or operation of carport-mounted solar energy systems with a nameplate capacity of five megawatts or less, in any non-residential zoning district or mixed commercial and residential zoning district of any such city, town or village, provided however, if the zoning district is a certified agricultural district the agricultural impacts of the projects shall be minimized to the extent practicable.

Summary

This bill would add a new article to the General Municipal Law establishing rules for “carport-mounted solar energy systems.” It states legislative intent to encourage solar development, lower electricity costs, support jobs and business development, and expand solar use in non-residential and mixed commercial-residential zoning districts. The bill defines a carport-mounted solar energy system as a solar installation of up to five megawatts mounted on a roof or structure above parking areas. It would prohibit local governments from using zoning ordinances or other generally applicable land-use laws to bar these systems in non-residential or mixed-use zoning districts in cities, towns, and villages. If the project is located in a certified agricultural district, the bill requires agricultural impacts to be minimized to the extent practicable.

Impact

The bill would limit local zoning authority by preempting municipalities from prohibiting qualifying carport-mounted solar projects in non-residential and mixed commercial-residential districts. It would create a statewide land-use rule for these solar installations, while preserving a narrow condition for projects in certified agricultural districts to reduce agricultural impacts where feasible. The measure would affect local governments, solar developers, property owners, and potentially agricultural land use planning in affected zoning districts.

Sentiment

The bill text reflects a strongly supportive posture toward solar energy development and distributed renewable generation, emphasizing affordability, economic development, and environmental benefits. No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of opposition or amendment debate in the available materials. Based on the bill’s structure, the overall sentiment appears pro-solar and pro-development, with an attempt to balance that goal against agricultural concerns.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely to be state preemption of local zoning control, since the bill would prevent municipalities from banning these solar installations in specified districts. Another likely issue is the potential effect on agricultural districts, where the bill allows projects but requires agricultural impacts to be minimized to the extent practicable. Stakeholders most likely to support the bill are solar developers, property owners, and clean-energy advocates, while local governments and some agricultural interests may object to reduced local discretion or land-use impacts.