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SolSmart Designees
Durango
Colorado
Population: 18,973
Designation Level:
SolSmart Gold
Year Designated:
Silver 2017 / Gold 2018
Durango is stand-out solar city. Durango helped lead the Solarize La Plata County campaign which resulted in nearly 100 installations, installed a 19.7 kW solar array at the municipal airport, and collects a $20 solar permitting fee which is well below state and national recommendations. With SolSmart’s assistance, Durango made it faster and easier to install rooftop solar PV by implementing a solar permitting process with a three-day turnaround time.
- 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
SolSmart provided invaluable guidance to support the city’s efforts to advance solar energy and sustainability. In particular, SolSmart provided an impetus, and best-practice strategies, to streamline our solar permitting process and develop an online solar landing page to enhance transparency and outreach related to solar energy in Durango.
- Imogen Ainsworth, Durango Sustainability Coordinator
