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Minneapolis MN
Designation Level: SolSmart Gold
Special Awards Earned In: Planning and Zoning
In The News
Technical Assistance Organization
- 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
Program Highlights
- Created a streamlined process to approve certain solar permit applications over the counter
- Created and shared an interactive solar map of the community called Find My Solar Suitability
- Installed solar PV on city facilities, totaling 243kW across six locations including fire and transit facilities
- Provided Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for solar PV