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SolSmart Designees
Lafayette
Colorado
- Created a streamlined process to approve certain solar permit applications over the counter
- Installed solar on local facilities, totaling more than 480kW across five locations including the police department and public library
- Provided local incentives through energySMART ($1/watt up to $3,000) for qualified properties
- Partnered with Elevations Credit Union to offer low interest loans for solar PV installations
- 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
Lafayette has pledged to become a 100% renewable city by 2030 and will rely nearly exclusively on solar development to reach that goal. It is projected that 56 MW of locally-sited solar energy will be needed by 2030, and the actions taken to become a SolSmart Gold recipient are already helping us develop initiatives for that capacity.”
- Christine Berg, Lafayette Mayor
