City of Durango, CO
This webpage has been created to help improve local solar market conditions and share the latest industry information to residents and stakeholders in the City of Durango. 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 City's interactive policy roadmap designed to increase local solar installations by making it easier and more cost-effective to ‘go solar’.
Durango is the La Plata County seat and is located in the Animas River Valley. The City 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 ASTI team has worked in close coordination with the City 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 11 Goals In Progress 6 of 11 Goals Achieved |
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Permitting Process[P1] Use a Standard Permit Application Form Specific to PV Systems(18)
No standard form specific to solar PV
Streamlined solar permitting form is being considered
Consider adopting a standard application form specific to solar PV for qualifying projects <10kW.
[P2] Make Permit Application Form Available Online(176)
Standard building permit form online
If a standard PV application form is adopted per goal [P1], make the form available online. Suggested URL is: http://www.durangogov.org/building/mechanicalpermit.cfm
[P3] Allow Electronic Submittal of Application Form(87)
No electronic submittal
Allow electronic submittal of application. Suggest including an email link on the website or on the Solar Permit Guidelines document referred to in goal [P5].
[P4] Require only 1 Permit Application Submittal(164)
Only one submittal required.
Single permit application submittal is available for residents and installers.
City currently at market best practice
[P5] Post Permit and Inspection Process Information and Fee Schedules Online(80)
Some process information online
Post information on the solar permitting and inspection process online in an easily accessible location. This should include the process steps, timelines, fees, point of contact, and any other pertinent information.
[P6] Streamline Permit Processing Time and Allow Expedited Process for Qualifying Projects(75)
Within 3 business days res, within 5 business days comm, but no OTC Process
City currently at market best practice for permit processing. City should consider an expedited or over-the-counter permit approval process for qualifying PV projects using a standard application form (see goal P1).
[P7] Base Residential Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(85)
Flat fee $20
Permit fee for residential projects is a flat fee of $20.
City currently at market best practice
[P8] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(55)
Flat fee $20
Permit fee for commercial projects is a flat fee of $20.
City currently at market best practice
[P9] Minimize Inspection Turnaround Time(147)
Typically next business day
Inspection is performed within 48 hours of request.
City currently at market best practice
[P10] Offer Convenient Inspection Scheduling(94)
Day long window
Provide a 2 hour appointment window or specify AM/PM. Provide update at least 1 hr prior to arrival so contractor is aware and prepared.
[P11] Require only 1 Inspection Visit(82)
1 permit inspection, final comprehensive
Single permit inspection is performed.
City currently at market best practice
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1 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 priorities in the current Comprehensive Plan
Include solar development goals in long term planning documents.
[Z5] Update Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations(92)
No reference to solar in land use code
Ensure the zoning codes and ordinances that govern solar installations, such as setbacks, height limits and lot use provisions, do not restrict property owners' ability to install solar.
[Z6] Update Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations - Historic and Viewshed Areas(26)
No reference to solar in land use code
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 City does not have ordinances that create a barrier to solar.
City currently at market best practice
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1 of 2 Goals In Progress |
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[F6] Encourage Local Financial Stakeholders to Establish New Solar Loan Programs(63)
Minimal awareness of finance options now
Two local banks started offering solar loans as part of the Solarize La Plata campaign
The First National Bank of Durango provided a fixed term loan with low closing costs and First Southwest Bank provided a variable prime plus one percent rate with no closing costs.
[F7] Promote Availability of Existing Solar Finance Options and Evaluation Tools(38)
Minimal awareness of these tools now
Increase awareness of online tools for potential solar system buyers to evaluate and value solar projects for their homes and businesses. Of particular use is the PV Value tool (see resources at right) which provides value estimates for installed systems.
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4 of 5 Goals In Progress |
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[M1] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Residential Sector(40)
No similar aggregations known to exist locally
City assisted with successful solarize program launched in 2013.
Learn more and find the program report at http://www.fourcore.org/Residential/Solarize.aspx
[M2] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Commercial Sector(6)
No similar aggregations known to exist locally
Support the establishment of a working group of businesses and property owners to aggregate their facilities and buying power for solar evaluation and procurement to decrease energy costs while demonstrating their leadership.
[M6] Explore Installing Solar at Municipal Facilities, Including Landfill and Water Treatment Facilities(62)
A couple small municipal installations exist in the City
City is pursuing solar at two additional properties near the cemetary as of 2014
[M7] Publicize Solar Workforce Development Resources and Industry Training Tools(21)
Minimal level of information currently available
An outreach event was held in January 2013, with the Southwest Solar Industries Association being invited and attending, promoting local solar programs and resources.
There is a strong group of contractors in the region
[M8] Provide Solar Educational Resources to Constituents(77)
Minimal level of information currently available
The Fourcore website now has extensive solar info online
Learn more at http://www.fourcore.org/
Resources
For detailed permitting info, visit this jurisdiction's record at SolarPermit.org here: http://solarpermit.org/jurisdiction/durango-co/