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consider the possibility of locating systems where they have limited or no visibility to the public <br /> and recommendations for certain materials can be explored. In many cases,this may not be a <br /> significant concern as most Local Historic Districts only regulate activity that is visible from a <br /> public way or water course. <br /> Developing Local Zoning Bylaw/Ordinance Language <br /> In order to integrate reasonable regulations into a local Zoning Bylaw/Ordinance,planners will <br /> need to consider a few important steps. <br /> Outreach and Education <br /> Because the statutory provisions associated with solar energy systems are unique in <br /> Massachusetts,any attempt to develop zoning for this issue should start with local outreach and <br /> education. This outreach effort should involve all zoning enforcement agents (e.g.,building <br /> inspector,etc.)and permit granting authorities(e.g.,Zoning Board of Appeals,Planning Board, <br /> etc.). Creating a shared understanding among local officials of the unique legal framework <br /> established by Massachusetts General Law will help to manage expectations of the community <br /> as a whole moving forward.Among the key non-government parties to involve,are solar <br /> installers,as they have the most experience and a great deal at stake in the regulations. <br /> One venue that is particularly conducive to this type of outreach and planning for alternative <br /> energy as a whole is in the development or update of a Master Plan. In developing this <br /> document, cities and towns will be able to identify opportunities for installing solar energy <br /> systems in conjunction with facilities improvements, agricultural preservation,the development <br /> of new subdivisions,and the piecemeal retrofitting of existing neighborhoods. Concurrent with <br /> planning for future opportunities,this process can also be used to educate local'stakeholders in <br /> both the public and private sectors regarding the unique regulatory framework in Massachusetts. <br /> As an alternative,communities may want to do advance planning for alternative energy through <br /> other means such as the completion of a municipal energy plan or as part of a Green <br /> Communities Designation and Grant Program application. For more information on the Green <br /> Communities Designation and Grant Program,please visit: bgp•//www.mass.g_ov/eea/energy- <br /> utilities-clean-tech/green-communities/. <br /> Audit Your Existing Zoning Bylaw/Ordinance <br /> Auditing the local Zoning Bylaw/Ordinance for the purposes of amending individual existing <br /> sections may be a more practical and effective approach than inserting large,stand-alone <br /> sections. Planners should closely review the full text of their Zoning Bylaw/Ordinance, <br /> including solar and other overlay districts,to see which sections will need to be altered. These <br /> sections could include,but would not be limited to the following: <br /> • Definitions <br /> • Allowable Uses <br /> • Provisions for Site Plan Review(or Design Review) <br /> -8 - <br />