City of Idaho Falls, ID

Initial Status: General building permit used for all projects

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

Initial Status: Permit application form available online

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

Initial Status: In-person submittal.

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

Initial Status: 1 submittal.

Guidance: Require only a single application submittal. If multiple departments review the application, manage the routing internally.

Initial Status: Fee schedules are online, but limited permit and inspection process information is available.

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: Within 4-10 business days residential, 6-15 business days commercial. OTC review not available.

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: Valuation-based permit fee

Guidance: Base residential permit fees on cost recovery, or if a flat fee is used keep the fee amount under $250.

Initial Status: Valuation-based permit fee

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

Initial Status: Within one business day.

Guidance: City at best practice- inspections are performed within one business day of the request.

Initial Status: Specific appointment time is provided.

Guidance: City at best practice.

Initial Status: No inspection checklist currently 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: No structural analysis required for residential systems

Guidance: City at best practice.

Initial Status: Ordinance in place for solar easement

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: No solar-ready requirements for new construction.

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

Initial Status: Renewable energy not addressed in Comprehensive Plan.

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

Initial Status: Zoning code does not specifically address solar.

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: Zoning code for historic and viewshed areas does not specifically address solar.

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.

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

Initial Status: Limited options for solar financing.

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

Initial Status: Limited awareness within the community currently

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 known solar development at wastewater treatment plant

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

Initial Status: No event or online resources currently available.

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: No resources currently provided on City's website.

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