Chicago Tribune
Southland communities honored for work in solar energy
02/02/2018
SolSmart Designees
Cook County
Illinois
Population: 5,150,233
Designation Level:
SolSmart Bronze
Year Designated:
2018
- 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
