Adams County, CO
This webpage has been created to help improve local solar market conditions and share the latest industry information to residents and stakeholders in Adams County. Below you will find key solar market indicators and essential resources for residents, businesses, solar industry and government officials. There is also a direct link to the County's interactive policy roadmap designed to increase local solar installations by making it easier and more cost-effective to ‘go solar’.
Adams County is located just northeast of downtown Denver and surrounding Denver International Airport. The County is situated in an excellent area for solar due its above average solar energy resource.
Community Profile
Residential Solar Potential
Upgrade to LEADER plan to display your community's solar potential.Roadmap
The Solar Roadmap team has worked in close coordination with the County to develop a customized, interactive solar roadmap containing guidance on how to transform the local solar market. Each recommendation in the roadmap is supported with relevant reports, case studies, examples, and templates to support local and regional implementation efforts.
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1 of 13 Goals In Progress 5 of 13 Goals Achieved |
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Permitting Process[P1] Use a Standard Permit Application Form Specific to PV Systems(18)
No standard form for solar PV projects
Consider adopting a standard application form specific to solar PV for qualifying projects <10kW.
[P2] Make Permit Application Form Available Online(176)
Building permit application form online, but not solar PV specific
If solar permit application form adopted (per P1), make the form available online. Suggested URL is http://co-adamscounty.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=820
[P3] Allow Electronic Submittal of Application Form(87)
No standard process for electronic submittal of PV application
Allow electronic submittal of application for qualifying PV projects using the standard form. Recommend providing an email link on the county website (see P5).
[P4] Require only 1 Permit Application Submittal(164)
[P5] Post Permit and Inspection Process Information and Fee Schedules Online(80)
General process, permit information and fees are online but it is not solar specific
County is considering adding solar-specific permit content to the County website.
Post information on the solar permitting and inspection process online in an easily accessible location. This should include the process flow, timelines, fees, point of contact, and any other pertinent information. Make specific mention of what is excluded from valuation calculation (electrical components and associated labor).
[P6] Streamline Permit Processing Time and Allow Expedited Process for Qualifying Projects(75)
10-15 business days and no OTC process
Consider an expedited or over-the-counter permit approval process for qualifying PV projects using a standard application form (see goal P1). For all projects, issue or deny permit within 3 business days of submittal for residential and within 5 business days for commercial.
[P7] Base Residential Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(85)
Valuation, typical fee is around $225 depending on system size
Move to flat fee <$250 or base fee on cost recovery.
[P8] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(55)
[P9] Minimize Inspection Turnaround Time(147)
[P10] Offer Convenient Inspection Scheduling(94)
Appointment window 8 hours, though contractor normally not required to be on site
The County is currently at market best practice. If contractor required to be on site, proved an AM/PM specification for appointment and provide a real time update at least 1 hr prior to arrival is provided so contractor is given notice when inspector is soon to arrive.
[P11] Require only 1 Inspection Visit(82)
[P12] Adopt an Inspection Checklist(21)
No inspection checklist
Utilize standard regional PV inspection checklist. Make checklist available online per objective P12.
[P14] Understand New Solar-Specific Building, Electrical, and Fire Codes(82)
Currently on 2006 ICC building codes
Be aware of and consider accepting solar standards from most recent code cycles, specifically the updates within 2009 and 2012 ICC codes.
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3 of 6 Goals Achieved |
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[Z2] Promote Solar Ready Construction via Ordinances or Building Codes(15)
No solar specific ordinaces for construction
Explore creation of municipal ordinances which require new homes and buildings to be built solar-ready
[Z3] Require Solar on New Construction(4)
No solar specific mandates for new construction
Explore implementing solar mandates for new construction for all buildings or a segment of the new building stock
[Z4] Incorporate Solar Priorities into Comprehensive or Energy Action Plans(66)
No solar specific standards
Include solar development goals in long term planning documents.
[Z5] Update Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations(92)
Solar friendly zoning ordinances
County has solar friendly zoning ordinances.
The County is currently at market best practice.
[Z6] Update Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations - Historic and Viewshed Areas(26)
No solar friendly zoning standards or rewivews
The County does not have ordinances that create a barrier to solar.
Ensure the zoning codes and ordinances that govern solar installations in aesthetically sensitive areas do not adversely affect property owners' ability to install solar. Allow staff members to review and approve applications when possible rather than requiring committee or planning commission review.
[Z7] Limit Impact of Restrictive Private Covenants(81)
No ordinances creating a barrier to solar
The County does not have ordinances that create a barrier to solar.
The County is currently at market best practice.
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0 of 3 Goals Not Started |
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[F5a] Explore Implementation of Local PACE Financing Pilot Program (73)
No program working group
Establish a working group to evaluate the potential of a PACE financing program for clean energy upgrades in your jurisdiction based on national examples by local municipalities.
[F6] Encourage Local Financial Stakeholders to Establish New Solar Loan Programs(63)
Finance programs have not been explored
Explore solar financing options and resources for the Front Range area and provide relevant information to increase awareness and understanding by residents, regional stakeholders and installers.
[F7] Promote Availability of Existing Solar Finance Options and Evaluation Tools(38)
Minimal awareness of these tools now
Consolidate and provide online tools for potential solar system buyers to evaluate and value solar projects for their homes and businesses.
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0 of 4 Goals Not Started |
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[M3] Explore Implementation of Collaborative Procurement Program for Municipal Facilities and Schools(38)
No similar aggregations known to exist locally
Consider collaborating with agencies across the region to aggregate government facilities, including municipal buildings and schools, for solar evaluation and cost-effective procurement to demonstrate leadership and reduce energy costs while strengthening the economy and environment.
[M6a] Survey Brownfield Sites for Solar Development Opportunities(12)
No brownfield sites currently in development
Establish a working group to identify brownfield sites with solar potential across the County, following the best practices and case studies provided.
[M7] Publicize Solar Workforce Development Resources and Industry Training Tools(21)
Minimal level of information currently available
Consolidate regional and statewide standards and best practices, provide online as a resource to the installer community, and organize an outreach/training event to generate awareness and understanding across the installer community.
[M8] Provide Solar Educational Resources to Constituents(77)
Minimal level of information currently available
Consolidate solar resources and best practices, provide online as a resource to the consumer market (residential and commercial), and organize an outreach/training event to generate awareness and understanding across the community.
Resources
