SolSmart Designees
Huntington Beach
California
- Created a streamlined process to approve certain solar permit applications over the counter
- The City Environmental Board’s Sustainable Energy Committee meets monthly
- Provided Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing
- Involved in state-level conversations regarding solar PV via the Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition
- Provided Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for eligible properties
- 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
Our City of Huntington Beach is proud to be recognized with SolSmart Gold and as a national leader in advancing our solar energy. By reducing soft costs and other administrative barriers, the City strives to increase local businesses and homes’ access to solar energy, educate the community, and expand our local solar market. This exemplifies the city’s innovative approach to sustainability.
- Mike Posey, Mayor
