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The SolSmart Gold designation recognizes Linn County for its leadership to encourage solar energy growth, and to removing obstacles to solar development. As a result of our participation in the SolSmart program, Linn County is helping solar companies greatly reduce the cost of installations and pass those savings on to consumers. This allows even more local homes and businesses to obtain affordable, clean, and reliable electricity through solar. The actions Linn County has taken will help encourage solar companies to do business in the area, driving economic development and creating local jobs."John Harris, Chair, Linn County Board of Supervisors
SolSmart Criteria
Program Highlights
SolSmart Criteria
Created an online permitting checklist, increasing transparency for community members and solar installers
Reviewed local zoning codes and identified restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibit solar PV development
Allowed solar by-right accessory use in all zones (so solar installations don’t require special permits or hearings)
Cross-trained both inspection and permitting staff on solar PV
Provided a streamlined permitting pathway for small PV systems
Created a streamlined process to approve certain solar permit applications over the counter
Program Highlights
Made inspection requirements for solar PV available online (see zoning handout InspectionsRequired_SolarPanels available on the Planning and Development webpage)
Hosted a Community “Solarize” campaign, Solarize Cedar Rapids & Linn County, allowing residents to benefit from group discounts and affordable solar financing
Incentivized solar development by allowing solar PV as an accessory use on outlots in Major and Minor Subdivisions
Encouraging solar development in under-utilized properties, creating an online solar information page on their website, and installing solar on local facilities