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August 12, 2026 animal grazing, crop or vegetable production, can continue simultaneo usly on that farmland. Installations shall be regulated depending upon generation capacity as defined herein. APPLICANT — The person or entity including any firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or organization of any kind who or which requests any approval or permit to construct solar energy systems filing an application and seeking an approval under this chapter; the owner or operator of a Solar Energy System or a proposed Solar Energy System; or any person acting on behalf of an applicant, Solar Energy System or proposed Solar Energy System. Whenever the term "applicant" or "owner" or "operator" is used in this chapter, it shall include any person acting as an applicant, owner or operator. BUILDING-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS — A combination of solar panels and solar energy equipment integrated into any building envelope system, such as vertical facades, semitransparent skylight systems, roofing materials, or shading over windows, which produce electricity. COLLECTIVE SOLAR — Solar installations owned collectively through subdivision homeowners' associations or similar groups. Collective solar installations shall be regulated depending upon generation capacity as defined herein. ENERGY OVERLAY DISTRICT — A zoning overlay district established by the Town Board and mapped on the Town of Eden Zoning Map, within which Tier 3 and Tier 4 Solar Energy Systems may be permitted subject to the requirements of this chapter. FARMLAND OF STATEWIDE IMPORTANCE — Land, designated as "Farmland of Statewide Importance" in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database on Web Soil Survey, that is of statewide importance for the production of food, feed, fiber, forage, and oilseed crops as determined by the appropriate state agency or agencies. Farmland of statewide importance may include tracts of land that have been designated for agriculture by state law. FARM OPERATION — Land and on-farm buildings, equipment, facilities, and practices which contribute to the production, preparation, and marketing of crops, livestock, and livestock products as a commercial enterprise (in accordance with Agriculture & Markets Law § 301[11]). GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM — A photovoltaic system mounted on a structure, pole or series of poles that are constructed specifically to support the photovoltaic system, and not physically attached to any structure, that generates electricity for on or off-site consumption. LANDOWNER – Any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or organization of any kind who or which owns real property upon which a Solar Energy System is proposed or constructed. MINERAL SOIL GROUPS (MSG) 1-4 — Agricultural soil classifications as defined by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. These soils are recognized as having the highest value based on soil productivity and capability. NATIVE PERENNIAL VEGETATION — Native wildflowers, forbs, and grasses that serve as habitat, forage, and migratory way stations for pollinators and shall not include any prohibited or regulated invasive species as determined by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. OPERATOR – Any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or organization who or which is responsible for the overall operation of a Solar Energy System or part of such System, and whose actions or failure to act may result in non-compliance with the requirements of this local law or with any permit issued by any Town officer or board. POLLINATOR — Bees, birds, bats, and other insects or wildlife that pollinate flowering plants, and includes both wild and managed insects. PRIME FARMLAND — Land, designated as "Prime Farmland" or "Prime if drained" in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database on Web Soil Survey, that has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops and is also available for these land uses. QUALIFIED SOLAR INSTALLER – A person who has skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of solar electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training on the hazards involved. Persons who are on the list of eligible photovoltaic installers maintained by the New York State Energy Research 9