SolSmart Designees
Fayetteville
Arkansas
- 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
Achieving the SolSmart Gold Designation is recognition of the City’s efforts to encourage and incentivize property owners to install solar energy generation systems for their homes and businesses. The adopted changes to our planning and building inspection processes and codes will help residents to save time and money during the permitting process thereby making solar increasingly viable and attractive. Ultimately, this work will advance the City’s Energy Action Plan goals to achieve 50% community-wide clean energy by 2030, and 100% community-wide clean energy by 2050.
- Peter Nierengarten, Environmental Director
