Revised rules governing solar energy installations in the city were set to head to Mayor Allan Fung’s desk this week.

Through a series of 6-0 votes on Jan. 16, the City Council’s Ordinance Committee supported a set of three proposals – a zoning amendment, an amendment to the zoning schedule of uses and a corresponding Comprehensive Plan amendment – developed as part of a lengthy review process that began with the establishment of a moratorium on large, commercial-scale solar projects in early 2019.

The full council was scheduled to gather for a special meeting on the night of Jan. 21 – after the Herald’s deadline for the week – to consider the three proposals. Given the committee-level vote and the prevailing attitude among council members, unanimous passage of the three measures appeared likely.

Council President Michael Farina said the special meeting was called to ensure the council has enough time to consider the override of a potential veto from Fung. The moratorium expires Jan. 31.

The mayor previously said he would wait to receive the proposed solar amendments in their final form before making a decision on how to act. On Tuesday, Director of Administration Dan Parrillo said that remains the case.

“The mayor will review what the council approves tonight,” he said.

The proposed changes to the solar rules would essentially result in the prohibition of commercial-scale solar projects in A-80 residential and S-1 open space zones. The amendments would also bar the “major accessory” systems in those zones and require a special use permit for “minor accessory” solar systems.

One potential wrinkle emerged during last week’s Ordinance Committee meeting.

When Citywide Councilman Steve Stycos requested that a special meeting be scheduled for Jan. 31 in the event a veto override is needed, it was noted that Fung, by law, has 10 days to act on legislation once he receives it – and Jan. 31 would be the 10th day.

Farina at that point called for a special meeting to be scheduled for midnight on Feb. 1.