City of Hillsbro
Hillsboro Recognized Again as National Leader in Sustainability
05/17/2017
SolSmart Designees
Hillsboro
Oregon
Population: 109,128
Designation Level:
SolSmart Gold
Year Designated:
2017
- Installed solar on public facilities, including the Intermondal Transit Facility, Ron Tonkin Field, Cherry Lane Fire Station, and others
- Represented the community within Northwest Solar Communities to advancing solar policies in the region
- Hosted solar workshops open to the public explaining opportunities with pv and solar policy.
- Created a sustainability task force to set goals and monitor progress in renewable energy
- 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)
- Provided a streamlined permitting pathway for small solar systems.
- Cross-trained both inspection and permitting staff on solar PV
- Created a streamlined process to approve certain solar permit applications over the counter
We are grateful for the SolSmart recognition because it validates the many years of deliberate effort by our Building and Planning departments to streamline our permitting processes to be as fast and low-cost as they can be. One solar installation professional recently wrote to tell us, ‘You guys are so fast, you rock! I am so happy with your team and the permitting process.’
- Rob Dixon, Assistant City Manager for Community Development
