City of Tremonton, UT

Initial Status: Standard building permit application, but no solar PV specific form.

Action Taken: Standard permit form for PV is in the process of being adopted.

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

Initial Status: PV permit application is not online

Action Taken: Permit forms are now 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 only

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

Initial Status: 1 submittal

Action Taken: Single permit application submittal is available for residents and installers.

Guidance: City currently at best practice.

Initial Status: Incomplete permit and inspection process online.

Action Taken: City is considering addition of solar specific info to website

Guidance: General permitting information is now online, along with the new Renewable Energy Systems ordinance which contains the design requirements and zoning approval process for PV systems. If any additional solar-specific standards or processes are developed, make this information available online as well.

Initial Status: At least 3-5 days residential, 5-7 days commercial

Action Taken: Permit process time is less than 5 days for residential projects and less than 7 days for commercial

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, capped at $250

Action Taken: Permit fee for residential PV projects is valuation capped and is usually less than $250.

Guidance: City currently at best practice.

Initial Status: Valuation based, capped at $500.

Action Taken: Permit fee for commpercial PV projects is valuation based and is capped at $500.

Guidance: City currently at best practice.

Initial Status: Within 2 business days.

Action Taken: Inspection is performed within 48 hours of request.

Guidance: City currently at best practice.

Initial Status: Inspector gives a specific time for inspection.

Action Taken: Specific inspection time is given to the installer.

Guidance: City currently at best practice.

Initial Status: 1 permit inspection

Action Taken: Single permit inspection is performed.

Guidance: City currently at best practice.

Initial Status: A standard inspection checklist for PV systems is not currently used.

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 defined standards for PV permitting

Action Taken: New Renewable Energy Systems ordinance allows for structural exemption under certain conditions

Guidance: Per City Code chapter 1.23.020(B), an engineering stamp is not required for roof mount systems when flush mounted OEM racking is used and total system weight is under 4lbs/sqft.

Initial Status: Currently on 2009 ICC building codes, updating to 2012 soon

Guidance: City officials seem knowledgeable on current solar standards. For ongoing education, see the materials available under the 'Take Action' button at right.

Initial Status: Utah state law provides a process for the creation of solar easements. Nothing at the local level currently.

Action Taken: New Renewable Energy Systems ordinance allows solar in all zones

Guidance: City Code chapter 1.23 allows for solar in all zones and outlines the design standards and approval process.

Initial Status: No local solar ready ordinances for new construction.

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

Initial Status: Solar development is not addressed in planning documents.

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

Initial Status: Solar is not addressed in zoning ordinances

Action Taken: New Renewable Energy Systems ordinance developed and passed

Guidance: This new ordinance outlines the zoning approval process for solar installations, and contains solar-friendly design provisions. Find more info at http://tremontoncity.org/chapter-1-23-renewable-energy-systems/

Initial Status: No current local solar loan program.

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

Initial Status: Limited awareness of and access to these tools 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 current residential collaborative solar procurement program.

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: 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.

Initial Status: No known solar projects at these sites currently.

Guidance: Establish a working group to identify solar feasibility at landfills, water treatment plants, or other municipal properties. Consider working with other local agencies on a collaborative procurement to reduce costs per goal [M3]. The Solar Roadmap team can help by evaluating solar potential at City properties.

Initial Status: Limited solar educational resouces for constituents

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