The Suffolk County Planning Commission (SCPC) decided to develop a fast-track permitting process for geothermal systems as it had previously implemented for solar and wind systems. The final code was subsequently issued to various town and village municipal officials.
The primary objective of the geothermal code is to help municipalities evaluate proposed geo-thermal systems in residential and commercial settings. It is designed to allow for a more streamlined application process, and thus more expeditious review and approval of permits to install geothermal systems that satisfy certain basic criteria—specifically system type and site conditions.
The model code applies to typical systems installed in “non-sensitive areas”—as defined in the code—which comprise the majority of situations in which geothermal systems are being installed on Long Island. It is important to note that the code does not exclude other types of geothermal systems or installations at project sites that vary from the basic criteria. Situations not covered under the code will be addressed separately by the municipality.