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THE ZONING BOARD’S DENIAL OF A USE VARIANCE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION FACILITY WAS “ARBITRARY AND CAPRICIOUS;” MATTER REMITTED FOR ISSUANCE OF THE VARIANCE (THIRD DEPT).

The Third Department, reversing Supreme Court, in a full-fledged opinion by Justice Pritzker, determined petitioners were entitled to a use variance for the construction of a solar energy generation facility, finding the denial of the variance “arbitrary and capricious:”

… [R]espondent erred in failing to afford petitioners a reduced showing relative to their application as a public utility because of the project’s minimal impact … . That the project will have a minimal impact was not only recognized by Supreme Court, but also is fully supported by the evidence in the record, including the unanimous State Environmental Quality Review Act (see ECL art 8 [hereinafter SEQRA]) determination which found no significant environmental impacts … . * * *

… [O]ne cannot quarrel with the premise that New York State’s goal of transitioning to renewable energy is designed to benefit the public at large, and this project is in line with that goal … . * * *

… [P]etitioners’ submissions to respondent establish ” ‘that there are compelling reasons, economic or otherwise, which make it more feasible to [grant a use variance]’ ” than to use an alternative site … . Matter of Freepoint Solar LLC v Town of Athens Zoning Bd. of Appeals, 2024 NY Slip Op 06409, Third Dept 12-19-24

Practice Point: Consult this opinion for a rare rejection of an administrative finding as “arbitrary and capricious.” In light of the minimal environmental impact of a solar energy facility and the state policy supporting the transition to clean energy, the zoning board’s reasons for denying the use variance were deemed untenable.

 

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