New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05781

Introduced
2/28/25  
Refer
2/28/25  

Caption

Requires all authorities having jurisdiction over a population exceeding five thousand residents to adopt a residential automated solar permitting platform by June thirtieth, two thousand twenty-six.

Impact

The adoption of S05781 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws associated with energy conservation and construction regulations. By enforcing an automated permitting platform, the bill aims to reduce bureaucratic delays and create a more standardized approach to solar installations across various jurisdictions. This aligns with New York’s broader objectives in combating climate change and transitioning towards more sustainable energy sources, which could ultimately lead to increased solar adoption rates among residents.

Summary

Bill S05781 aims to enhance the adoption and integration of solar energy solutions in New York State by mandating that authorities with jurisdictions over populations exceeding 5,000 residents implement a residential automated solar permitting platform by June 30, 2026. This legislation is intended to simplify and expedite the permitting process for residential solar applications, thereby increasing access to solar energy for homeowners while also supporting the state's environmental goals. The automated system is designed to process at least 75% of solar applications, streamlining operations for local authorities and financiers alike.

Contention

While proponents of Bill S05781, including various environmental advocates and legislators, support the initiative as a vital step towards progress in renewable energy, some concerns arise regarding the resource investment required for local authorities. Opponents might argue that mandating compliance with a new permitting system may place an undue financial burden on smaller municipalities, particularly those that may lack the budget or technical expertise to implement such platforms effectively. Additionally, the focus on automation raises questions about the adequacy of human oversight in the permitting process, which traditionally includes thorough reviews.

Companion Bills

NY A06270

Same As Requires all authorities having jurisdiction over a population exceeding five thousand residents to adopt a residential automated solar permitting platform by June thirtieth, two thousand twenty-six.

NY A06544

Same As Requires third-party food delivery services to factor compliance with certain vehicle and traffic laws when assigning workers to delivery routes when such delivery may involve the operation of a bicycle with or without electric assist.

Previously Filed As

NY S08415

Requires all municipalities with a population of five thousand or more to implement SolarAPP plus by January first, two thousand twenty-six, for features supporting residential building permits for solar photovoltaic systems, energy storage systems paired with a residential solar energy system, main electric panel upgrades, and main electric panel derates.

NY A09626

Requires all municipalities with a population of five thousand or more to implement SolarAPP plus by January first, two thousand twenty-six, for features supporting residential building permits for solar photovoltaic systems, energy storage systems paired with a residential solar energy system, main electric panel upgrades, and main electric panel derates.

NY S05779

Establishes a vacant residential investment exemption in cities with a population of not less than seven thousand fifty and not more than seven thousand sixty, determined in accordance with the two thousand twenty census.

NY A05898

Establishes a vacant residential investment exemption in cities with a population of not less than seven thousand fifty and not more than seven thousand sixty, determined in accordance with the two thousand twenty census.

NY S09692

Requires certain public authorities to establish a cashless tolling amnesty program between August first, two thousand twenty-four and December thirty-first, two thousand twenty-four for cashless tolls collected between April twenty-third, two thousand sixteen and June twenty-ninth, two thousand twenty-four.

NY A10420

Requires certain public authorities to establish a cashless tolling amnesty program between August first, two thousand twenty-four and December thirty-first, two thousand twenty-four for cashless tolls collected between April twenty-third, two thousand sixteen and June twenty-ninth, two thousand twenty-four.

NY A00304

Provides that for the two thousand twenty-four--two thousand twenty-five school year, the two thousand twenty-five--two thousand twenty-six school year, and the two thousand twenty-six--two thousand twenty-seven school year, surplus funds as used in this subdivision shall mean any operating funds in excess of five percent of the current school year budget, and shall not include funds properly retained under other sections of law.

NY S03432

Prevents certain public institutions of higher education from using the scholastic aptitude test and ACT assessment in the admissions process on and after the two thousand twenty-four--two thousand twenty-five academic year for New York resident applicants; requires SUNY and CUNY to create a new standardized test by the two thousand twenty-eight--two thousand twenty-nine academic year.

NY S05173

Authorizes the South Nassau Water Authority and the North Shore Water Authority to remain eligible for funding in state fiscal year two thousand twenty-four--two thousand twenty-five.

NY A07819

Authorizes the South Nassau Water Authority and the North Shore Water Authority to remain eligible for funding in state fiscal year two thousand twenty-four--two thousand twenty-five.

Similar Bills

CA SB379

Residential solar energy systems: permitting.

CO HB1096

Automated Permits for Clean Energy Technology

MN SF1741

Local governments requirement to establish residential instant solar permitting platforms

MN HF2059

Local governments required to establish residential instant solar permitting platforms, and report required.

NJ A5264

Requires establishment of automated platform to expedite construction code approval of applications to install residential solar energy systems.

NJ S4100

Requires establishment of automated platform to expedite construction code approval of applications to install residential solar energy systems.

CA AB1731

Unemployment insurance: work sharing plans.

CA SB617

Residential solar energy systems: permitting.