City of Grace, ID

Initial Status: No standard PV permitting form in use

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

Initial Status: Permit application obtained by mail or in person

Guidance: If a standard PV application form is adopted per goal [P1], make the form available online in an easily accessible location.

Initial Status: Permit must be submitted in person.

Guidance: Allow email submittal of permit application forms for qualifying projects.

Initial Status: One submittal

Guidance: City at best practice.

Initial Status: Process information not posted online.

Guidance: 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.

Initial Status: Permit processed within 10-15 days.

Guidance: 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.

Initial Status: Flat fee of less than $250.

Guidance: City at best practice-- residential permit fee amount under $250.

Initial Status: Initial status unknown.

Guidance: Base commercial permit fees on cost recovery, or if a flat fee is used keep the fee amount under $500.

Initial Status: Greater than 10 business days.

Guidance: Perform inspection within 2 business days of request.

Initial Status: Within one day.

Guidance: Provide an appointment window of 2 hours or less if possible. Provide real time updates prior to arrival so contractor is aware and prepared.

Initial Status: Initial status unknown.

Guidance: Require only a single permit inspection. If additional inspections are required during installation, conduct in a manner that does not require installer to halt work.

Initial Status: Inspection checklist not in use.

Guidance: Utilize a standard inspection checklist for PV systems. The checklist serves as a guide for inspectors and installers containing points of emphasis and common issues.

Initial Status: Initial status unknown.

Guidance: For qualifying residential systems meeting certain criteria, allow an exemption from structural analysis or structural PE stamp requirements.

Initial Status: Initial status unknown.

Guidance: Be aware of and consider accepting new solar standards from most recent code cycles

Initial Status: Solar easements permissible under Idaho Law

Guidance: Create local ordinances which would protect property owners' right to install solar and ensure their property has unobstructed access to direct sunlight.

Initial Status: Initial status unknown

Guidance: Explore creation of municipal ordinances which require new homes and buildings to be built solar-ready

Initial Status: Initial status unknown

Guidance: Explore implementing solar mandates for new construction for all buildings or a segment of the new building stock

Initial Status: Unaware of long term planning documents.

Guidance: Include solar development goals in long term planning documents.

Initial Status: Initial status unknown

Guidance: 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.

Initial Status: Initial status unknown

Guidance: 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.

Initial Status: Initial status unknown.

Guidance: Support efforts to develop state-level legislation enabling local PACE programs.

Initial Status: No known local solar financing programs.

Guidance: Encourage local financial institutions to establish loan programs for solar energy systems.

Initial Status: City website does not include solar finance options or evaluation tools.

Guidance: Publicize the availability of local solar finance options and solar evaluation tools for potential buyers. This can be done via webinars, marketing materials, or by providing links and information online.

Initial Status: No such programs known to exist locally

Guidance: Support the creation of a working group of community leaders and funding providers. This group would evaluate options and determine the most viable approach for aggregating residential solar based on best practices to date.

Initial Status: No such programs known to exist locally

Guidance: Establish a working group of businesses and commercial property owners to leverage their solar purchasing power by aggregating facilities for solar evaluation and procurement to reduce energy costs while demonstrating community leadership.

Initial Status: No such programs known to exist locally

Initial Status: No known solar projects at these sites currently

Guidance: Establish a working group to identify solar feasibility at municipal landfill and water treatment sites.

Initial Status: No known solar development at local brownfield sites

Guidance: Establish a working group to identify Brownfield sites and solar development options across the state, following the best practices and case studies provided. Share information with market stakeholders.

Initial Status: Limited awareness of these resources locally

Guidance: Provide online access to training programs and resources for the installer community and potential workforce and organize an outreach and/or training event in order to generate awareness and understanding.

Initial Status: Limited awareness of these resources locally

Guidance: Help promote the availability of online tools and resources for the residential, commercial, and municipal solar markets through existing networks.