Portland Business Journal
Beaverton, Hillsboro win 'SolSmart Gold' for their pro-solar ways
05/09/2017
SolSmart Designees
Beaverton
Oregon
Population: 99,037
Designation Level:
SolSmart Gold
Year Designated:
2017
- Hosted a community “Solarize” campaign, allowing residents to benefit from group discounts and affordable solar financing
- Provided incentives to developers to incorporate solar into their plans
- Launched a solar landing page on the city’s sustainability website
- Created and shared an interactive solar map as a resource for the community
- 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
