SolSmart Designees
East Lansing
Michigan
Population: 48,145
Designation Level:
SolSmart Gold
Year Designated:
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
Increasing renewable energy, with an ultimate goal of converting the City’s energy consumption to 100 percent clean energy, has been a part of the East Lansing City Council’s Strategic Priorities for several years. This designation recognizes the work that has been done towards that goal and is the result of a tremendous amount of collaboration between staff members within the East Lansing Department of Public Works and East Lansing Department of Planning, Building & Development.
- Environmental Services Administrator Cathy DeShambo
