Esmeralda County, NV

Initial Status: General building permit application form is online, but no solar PV specific form.

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

Initial Status: General building permit application form is not 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: Electronic submittal of permit application form is not currently available.

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

Initial Status: More than 1 submittal of permit application package.

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

Initial Status: Incomplete permit and inspection process information online.

Guidance: Post information on the solar permitting and inspection process online in an easily accessible location. This should include the process flow, timelines, fees, point of contact, and any other pertinent information.

Initial Status: Permit turnaround time is more than 3 business days for residential, 5 business 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: Residential permit fee is unknown.

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

Initial Status: Commercial permit fee is unknown.

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

Initial Status: Inspection turnaround time is more than 2 business days.

Guidance: Perform inspection within 2 business days of request.

Initial Status: Appointment window given is more than 4 hours.

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: More than 1 inspection visit.

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: 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: Approval from a Structural Professional Engineer is required on all systems.

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

Initial Status: Current knowledge level of staff regarding recent solar standards unknown.

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

Initial Status: No local ordinances which protect solar rights and access.

Guidance: Create local ordinances which protect solar access by ensuring property remains shade-free and establishing a process for creating, registering, and enforcing solar easements.

Initial Status: Solar-friendly standards for new construction.

Guidance: County currently at best practice.

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

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

Initial Status: Solar friendly zoning ordinances and regulations.

Guidance: County currently at best practice.

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.

Initial Status: No current local solar PV loan program within the County.

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

Initial Status: Limited awareness of these tools locally.

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: Working group established

Guidance: County currently at best practice.

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: Working group established

Guidance: County currently at best practice.

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.