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Solar Mapping. One tool that can be used to help identify potential future impacts to <br /> solar access is the development of solar maps across a community. These maps are <br /> generally produced through a geographic information system(GIS)platform and could <br /> be part of a special project or a broader comprehensive planning effort. The maps often <br /> inventory existing rooftop and ground-mounted solar energy installations,but also show <br /> those sites or rooftops that have high solar energy producing potential based on their <br /> exposure to sunlight. These maps could be used to help guide permit review discussion <br /> or to identify properties that may be eligible for energy system incentives. Information <br /> on solar mapping can be found at: <br /> o American Planning Association solar mapping site: <br /> http•//www planning orb;/research/solar/bri6fingpapers/solarmapping htm . <br /> o Solar Boston: http:// ig s.cityofboston.gov/SolarBoston/# <br /> o Cambridge,MA Solar Mapping Site by Mapdwell: <br /> htt2:Hen.m4pdwell.com/cambridge <br /> Shadow Analyses. These analyses are becoming more common in local permit review <br /> and essentially show the path of shadows across parts of a site during different times of <br /> the year. For buildings on an applicant's property,these analyses can show whether <br /> rooftops or yards that could accommodate solar energy systems will(or will not) <br /> experience adequate sunlight exposure over time. With regard to neighboring properties; <br /> these analyses will demonstrate how proposed development could potentially impact <br /> existing roof-mounted or ground-mounted solar energy systems or those that could be <br /> installed in the future. <br /> Special Permit Criteria. Communities could consider developing Special Permit <br /> decision criteria that will allow the permit granting authority to consider the potential <br /> impacts to solar access across property boundaries. When considering whether to grant a <br /> Special Permit for buildings that meet a certain size threshold,the following points could <br /> shape the decision: <br /> i Whether proposed structures or landscaping will shade an existing solar energy <br /> system on an adjacent property; and/or <br /> • Whether proposed structures or landscaping would shade an area identified on the <br /> city or town's Solar Map as having high potential for solar energy development. <br /> Chapter 40C <br /> In Chapter 40C Section 7,the language clearly states the need for Historic Commissions to <br /> consider the policies of the Commonwealth related to solar energy systems. When considering <br /> whether to issue a"certificate of appropriateness"for any development or renovation proposal, <br /> the Historic Commission should work to balance the goal of preserving historic buildings or <br /> neighborhoods with the Commonwealth's solar energy system protections. Reviewers can <br /> -7- <br />