(a)Land-use regulations of local governments may
encourage the use of solar energy systems. To encourage the use
of solar energy systems, local governments may regulate:
(i)The height, location, setback and energy
efficiency of structures;
(ii)The height and location of vegetation with
respect to property lines;
(iii)The platting and orientation of land
developments; and
(iv)The type and location of energy systems or their
components.
(b)The local government shall establish permit systems
for the use and application of solar energy. Where a local
government establishes a permit system for the use and
application of solar energy:
(i)A solar permit shall be granted before a solar
right may be established;
(ii)The local government shall grant a solar permit
to any proposed or existing
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(a) Land-use regulations of local governments may
encourage the use of solar energy systems. To encourage the use
of solar energy systems, local governments may regulate:
(i) The height, location, setback and energy
efficiency of structures;
(ii) The height and location of vegetation with
respect to property lines;
(iii) The platting and orientation of land
developments; and
(iv) The type and location of energy systems or their
components.
(b) The local government shall establish permit systems
for the use and application of solar energy. Where a local
government establishes a permit system for the use and
application of solar energy:
(i) A solar permit shall be granted before a solar
right may be established;
(ii) The local government shall grant a solar permit
to any proposed or existing solar collector which complies with
this act. If a local government sets height or locational limits
on structures or vegetation, the local government may restrict
the solar permit to the airspace above or surrounding the
restrictions. The extent of the solar right granted by this act
shall not exceed the extent of the solar right granted by the
solar permit;
(iii) The solar right vests on the date the solar
permit is granted. The solar collector shall be put to
beneficial use within two (2) years except the local government
may allow additional time for good cause shown. The local
government shall certify the right and its beneficial use within
two (2) years of its vesting;
(iv) The priority of new construction with regard to
interference in solar rights shall vest as of the date the
building permit is applied for;
(v) Cities and towns shall regulate solar rights
within their boundaries. Counties shall regulate solar rights
within the county and outside city limits. Local governments
which agree may regulate solar rights jointly;
(vi) Existing solar collector users shall apply for
permits within five (5) years after the date permit systems are
established by their local governments. The priority date for
these solar rights shall be the first date the solar collector
was beneficially used.
(c) No local government shall prohibit the construction or
use of solar collectors except for reasons of public health and
safety or as authorized in W.S. 18-5-501 through 18-5-513.