H.B. 1480 - Solar Energy Summary

• Authorizes county governing bodies to create ordinances establishing processes for recording and enforcing solar easements.

• Requires solar easement declarations filed with the county clerk to include measurable descriptions of the easement using vertical or horizontal angles in degrees, specified hours of sunlight protection on certain dates, or a combination thereof.

• Allows solar easements to be treated as easements appurtenant and permits enforcement through law or equity suits, with instruments recorded in the bureau of conveyances or land court.

• Permits counties to enact ordinances requiring trimming of vegetation that blocks solar radiation from solar energy devices, with authority to designate responsibility for trimming costs.

• Exempts vegetation from mandatory trimming requirements if planted by the property owner or occupant before the solar energy device installation.