The Fredonia Board of Trustees has passed two laws related to power-generating solar farms in the village.

The first law sets out stipulations for them and the second opts the village out of a tax break program, so Fredonia can get revenue from the farms. Mayor Michael Ferguson previously told the OBSERVER that the opt-out will allow the village to charge solar companies for using properties.

The law governing the farms passed by a 4-1 vote. Trustee Michelle Twichell voted “no” because changes to the law that she sought were not included. Twichell called the changes “minor.”

Key provisions of that law include:

— Farms must be set back at least 350 feet from residences on nearby properties, 300 feet from any public-right- of-way, and 250 feet from each property line bordering the premises.

— Nothing on the solar farms can exceed 35 feet in height.

— All must be enclosed by fencing, which must have warning signs with the owner’s contact information.

— Removal of vegetation is limited to the extent necessary for construction and maintenance.

— Solar companies must provide decommissioning plans, and must offer financial backing for them.

The law has another, less stringent section governing the small solar panel arrays that power individual homes and businesses. Designated as “Tier 1,” those do not require building permits from the village. The larger solar arrays that generate power directly into the electric grid are “Tier 2” and will require permits.