SolSmart Designees
Bloomington
Minnesota
Population: 84,943
Designation Level:
SolSmart Gold
Year Designated:
Bronze 2018 / Gold 2019
- 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 application over the counter
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
