NY S08119

Establishes uniform statewide standards for local approval of distributed generation energy facilities (solar and energy storage systems up to 5,000 kilowatts AC), prohibiting municipalities from adopting more restrictive requirements than specified in the act

Sets maximum setback requirements municipalities can impose: 150 feet from occupied buildings on non-participating properties, 50 feet from public roads and non-participating property lines, and no setbacks from participating property boundaries

Requires municipalities to hold public hearings within 90 days of application filing and issue siting decisions within 30 days after hearings conclude, with existing non-compliant zoning ordinances to be amended within 120 days

Prohibits municipalities from limiting the number of solar facilities in agricultural or industrial zones, requiring property value guarantees, mandating PILOT agreements, or imposing unreasonable fees or decommissioning requirements

Requires solar developers to offer host community residents first refusal rights for two months to subscribe to utility bill credits at discounted rates, and directs the Department of Environmental Conservation to develop wetland-specific permitting rules within 90 days