Town of Richmond, RI

Initial Status: There is a standard building permit application form, but nothing specific to PV currently

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Guidance: Perform inspection within 2 business days of request.

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.

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: 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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: Work with condo owner and homeowners associations to ensure that their covenant, conditions, and restrictions and bylaws do not create undue barriers to solar installations.

Guidance: Support efforts to ensure state-level utility regulations do not restrict these finance mechanisms.

Guidance: Support efforts to ensure state-level utility regulations allow community solar projects.

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

Guidance: Establish a working group to evaluate the potential of a PACE financing program for clean energy upgrades in your jurisdiction based on national examples by local municipalities.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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