Brookhaven adopts simpler forms for solar

Brookhaven has cut down on the red tape needed for homeowners to go greener.

The town now uses the same streamlined permit application forms for installation of rooftop solar electric and solar hot water energy systems as the rest of Long Island. The forms were created in September by a county Planning Commission task force in conjunction with Long Island Power Authority, to simplify the application process across multiple municipalities.

Town Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld, who sponsored the resolution to use the standard application forms, said it is an obvious way to ease the process for homeowners.

"Today, there is greater awareness by homeowners of the environmental and economic benefits that can be realized by installing solar energy systems," Fiore-Rosenfeld said in a statement. "More and more people are installing solar energy systems to make their homes more cost efficient and help reduce our overall carbon footprint, and we must be ready to help them get through the permit process quickly by cutting the red tape and making it more affordable."

Fiore-Rosenfeld's resolution -- co-sponsored by council members Kathy Walsh and Tim Mazzei -- was adopted unanimously at the Oct. 18 board meeting.

The law will permit the use of the standardized form developed under the Long Island Unified Solar Permitting Initiative for installation of residential solar systems. There is a $20 application fee to the Brookhaven Building Department for single- and two-family dwellings.

The town's building inspector and building department will work with the town's Department of Planning, Environment and Land Management to issue a decision on an application within 14 days.