KCRG
Linn County receives Gold designation from SolSmart for solar energy
04/19/2018
SolSmart Designees
Linn County
Iowa
- Made inspection requirements for solar PV available online
- Hosted a Community “Solarize” campaign, Solarize Cedar Rapids & Linn County, allowing residents to benefit from group discounts and affordable solar financing
- Incentivized solar development by allowing solar PV as an accessory use on outlots in Major and Minor Subdivisions
- Encouraging solar development in under-utilized properties, creating an online solar information page on their website, and installing solar on local facilities
- 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
- Created a streamlined process to approve certain solar permit applications over the counter
The SolSmart Gold designation recognizes Linn County for its leadership to encourage solar energy growth, and to removing obstacles to solar development. As a result of our participation in the SolSmart program, Linn County is helping solar companies greatly reduce the cost of installations and pass those savings on to consumers. This allows even more local homes and businesses to obtain affordable, clean, and reliable electricity through solar. The actions Linn County has taken will help encourage solar companies to do business in the area, driving economic development and creating local jobs.
- John Harris, Chair, Linn County Board of Supervisors
