Walton board introduces one-year moratorium on solar energy systems and schedules May 11 hearing

On April 13 the Town Board of the Town of Walton introduced Local Law No. 3 of 2026, a one-year moratorium on the review and approval of new and pending applications for land-use approvals related to solar energy systems and solar energy facilities. The board adopted a resolution to hold a public hearing on the proposed law at 129 North Street, Walton, NY at 6 p.m. on May 11, 2026. The motion to adopt the resolution to publish and schedule the hearing was made by Councilperson Patricia Wood and seconded by Councilman Luis Rodriguez-Betancourt; the roll-call vote recorded five ayes.

The packet text presented describes a broadly construed definition of "land use" for solar that would suspend processing for one year of site plan approvals, subdivision plats, building permits, special use permits, variances and certificates of occupancy for facilities designed to generate or store electric power for sale or off-site use. The packet text explicitly excludes rooftop photovoltaic panels installed for use on the same property and panels affixed to municipal, commercial or industrial buildings from the moratorium’s scope.

The resolution authorizes the Town Supervisor or designee to publish notice of the hearing and take procedural steps required under state law. The board also directed the clerk to publish legal notice and advised that the moratorium may be extended by later resolution if necessary. The hearing will allow residents and other stakeholders to speak in favor or against the proposed local law prior to any final adoption of the moratorium.

The item was introduced during the Supervisor’s report; town staff noted the public hearing logistics and legal posting requirements.