from Rik in Madison, WI:
#782
If you install a rooftop PV system, are there any ordinances that would restrict a neighbor from planting a tree to block your sunlight?
There are some provisions in Wisconsin law. Read on.
There are some solar-friendly land-use planning provisions in Wisconsin law, to include Chapter 66, General Municipality Law. For example, ordinance 66.0401 limits the authority of any county, city, town, or village to restrict any solar (or wind) energy system installation unless the restriction (a) serves to preserve or protect the public health or safety (b) does not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency or (c) allows for an alternative system of comparable cost and efficiency.
The second part of this ordinance addresses the authority of a county, city, village, or town to require trimming of vegetation that blocks solar (or wind) energy from a solar (wind) energy system. The ordinance may include, but is not limited to, a designation of responsibility for the costs of the trimming. The ordinance may not require the trimming of vegetation that was planted by the owner or occupant of the property on which the vegetation is located before the installation of the solar (or wind) energy system.
You can find the full statute on the Wisconsin State Legislature's Web site.
Published Friday, May 21, 2010