City of Ann Arbor, MI

Initial Status: There is a standard building permit application form, but nothing specific to PV currently

Guidance: Consider adopting a standard application form specific to solar PV for qualifying projects under 10kW.

Initial Status: Solar permits go through the standard submittal and review procedures regardless of system specs

Guidance: For simple residential installations meeting set criteria, provide for a streamlined permit process. This could include allowing email submittal of application forms, providing for an expedited or over-the-counter approval process, and allowing an exemption from structural analysis requirements. The qualifying criteria should be outlined in a checklist, and could be aligned with use of a standard permit form per goal [IN1].

Initial Status: City website does host permit applications form and information, though nothing specific to solar

Guidance: If a standard PV application form is adopted per goal [IN1], make the form available online in an easily accessible location. If a streamlined process for qualifying PV systems is developed per goal [IN2], post corresponding info online. Otherwise, post information on any solar-specific code interpretations or procedures.

Initial Status: Fee is valuation based without a cap

Guidance: Base permit fees for solar on cost recovery, or if a valuation based scale is used consider implementing a cap to prevent the fee amount from becoming prohibitively expensive.

Initial Status: Inspection checklist available but nothing specific to PV

Guidance: Adopt an inspection checklist to serve as a guide for inspectors and installers containing points of emphasis and common issues. Provide convenient inspection procedures for solar installations, including narrower appointment windows and avoiding the need for installer to halt work for preliminary inspections.

Initial Status: Currently on 2003 ICC codes and 2011 NEC

Guidance: Building officials seem to have a good knowledge base for solar standards, but consider adopting latest NEC and ICC codes. For ongoing education and to keep up with the latest code development for solar, see the online resources under the Take Action link at right.

Initial Status: City publishes solar-related information and resources online for residents and businesses

Guidance: Consider including information on local solar finance options, and solar evaluation tools for potential buyers. See the Take Action link at right for some sample materials; the Solar Roadmap team can also help you develop customized content for your website.

Initial Status: No known local ordinances protect solar rights and access to sunlight.

Guidance: Ensure solar rights and unobstructed access to sunlight for property owners, and protection from unreasonable aesthetic restrictions on solar installations. Additionally, work with homeowners associations to ensure that their covenant, conditions, and restrictions and bylaws do not create undue barriers to solar installations.

Initial Status: Zoning code does not specifically address solar, but existing regulations do not restrict solar in any way

Guidance: Solar is not specifically addressed in City's local code currently, but existing regulations do not seem to restrict solar in any way. Consider a brief review of existing zoning codes that affect solar installations, such as setbacks, height limits and lot use provisions, to ensure they do not restrict property owners' ability to install solar.

Initial Status: Solar is incorporated into City Master Plan via the Sustainability Framework

Initial Status: No such standards are in place currently

Guidance: Explore creation of municipal ordinances which would require new homes and buildings to be built solar-ready. This can include provisions such as south facing roofs, pre-wiring for solar PV, or easy plumbing access for solar water heating. See examples from other communities under the Take Action link at right.

Initial Status: Solar group buy for residents is being explored now.

Guidance: Continue work with the City's Energy Commission to launch a bulk purchase program for homeowners, business owners, and/or non-profits.

Initial Status: Property Assessed Clean Energy has been enabled in Ann Arbor

Initial Status: No such exemptions exist currently

Guidance: Explore the feasibility of enacting property tax and/or sales tax exemptions for solar that are sold to and installed on properties within your community.

Initial Status: City has benchmarked all building's energy usage via ENERGY STAR's Portfolio Manager

Initial Status: Ann Arbor established a green power purchasing resolution to provide 30% renewable energy for municipal operations by 2015

Initial Status: Ann Arbor has completed initial research of solar potential on municipal buildings

Guidance: Assess solar potential on other municipally-owned facilities, parking areas, and land, including landfills and water treatment facilities, for solar project development opportunities. The Solar Roadmap team can help by providing a solar prescreen report for your municipal properties.

Initial Status: Ann Arbor has completed solar installations on multiple properties including City Hall, Fire Station, Parks facilities, and others

Guidance: Consider an RFP process as well as self-development for other municipally-owned facilities, parking areas, and land. Consider collaborating with neighboring public agencies to reduce cost and maximize regional benefits.

Initial Status: City has implemented monitoring systems on solar installations

Guidance: In addition to monitoring, consider implementing a PV Operations and Maintenance Plan including regular preventative maintenance and system performance reviews

Initial Status: City is pursuing a community solar project with the Clean Energy Coalition

Guidance: Continue to support the development of a community shared solar project to increase accessibility to solar energy for residents that cannot install solar on their homes.

Initial Status: City is currently pursuing recognition

Guidance: Continue certification from SPARC, the national designation program for solar friendly communities, to receive recognition for your efforts to improve local solar market conditions.