Town of Pagosa Springs, 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 Town of Pagosa Springs. 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 Town's interactive policy roadmap designed to increase local solar installations by making it easier and more cost-effective to ‘go solar’.
Pagosa Springs is the Archuleta County seat and is located in the upper San Juan Basin. The Town 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 Town 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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2 of 5 Goals Achieved |
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Permitting Process[P1] Use a Standard Permit Application Form Specific to PV Systems(18)
Town typically does not require permits for PV systems
Town is considering use of a standard permitting form for PV systems to be used when necessary
Be aware of standard application form specific to solar PV for qualifying projects <10kW, and considering using if requesting permit applications for PV systems.
[P5] Post Permit and Inspection Process Information and Fee Schedules Online(80)
Extensive permit, fee, and inspection info online, though no solar specific info
No information regarding solar-specific information is on Town website.
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.If none of these are required, simply include a specific note stating that solar permits are handled through DORA.
[P6] Streamline Permit Processing Time and Allow Expedited Process for Qualifying Projects(75)
No permit review or OTC permit approval process
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.
[P7] Base Residential Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(85)
Bldg permit fee based on IBC sliding scale, variance fee flat $300. Fees not normally assessed for
Consider moving to flat fee <$250 or base fee on cost recovery.
[P8] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(55)
Bldg permit fee based on IBC sliding scale, variance fee flat $300. Fees not normally assessed for
Building permit fee based on IBC sliding scale, variance fee flat $300.
Consider moving to flat fee <$500 or base fee on cost recovery.
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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 specific 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, no formal design review currently
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, no formal design review currently
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 Town does not have ordinances which create a barrier to solar.
Town 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
Consolidate and provide online tools for potential solar system buyers to evaluate and value solar projects for their homes and businesses.
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3 of 4 Goals In Progress |
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[M1] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Residential Sector(40)
No similar aggregations known to exist locally
Town is staying in the loop on development of a solarize program
After a successful solarize program in a neighboring county, a new campaign is being launched in Archuleta County. Learn more at http://www.fourcore.org/Residential/Solarize.aspx
[M2] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Commercial Sector(6)
No similar aggregations known to exist locally
Establish 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.
[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
