City of Bloomington, IN
Bloomington Designated “SolSmart Gold” for Advancing Solar Energy Growth
09/28/2022
SolSmart Designees
Bloomington
Indiana
- 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)”>Allowed solar by-right accessory use in all zones
- Cross-trained both inspection and permitting staff on solar PV
- Provided a streamlined permitting pathway for small PV systems
- Support a community-wide group purchase program
- Provide local incentives or locally-enabled finance (e.g. a revolving loan fund) for solar PV
- Provide local incentives for solar PV to low-to- moderate income households, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, and/or non-profit organizations that provide community services
- Partner with financial institutions and/or foundations to offer loans, rebates, grants, or other incentives for solar PV projects
The City of Bloomington is eager to encourage solar installations to lower greenhouse emissions and utility bills for our local residents and businesses. A simple, streamlined process for solar permitting and inspections is a critical piece of that effort.
- Joe Strommen, Bloomington Sustainability Commissioner
