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SolSmart Designees
OKI Regional Council of Governments
Ohio
Population: 2,085,258
Designation Level:
SolSmart Silver
Year Designated:
2020
OKI Regional Council of Governments (OKI) received SolSmart designation for helping communities in the greater Cincinnati, Ohio area remove obstacles to solar energy growth at the local level!
OKI has provided guidance to local governments through best practice development for building and zoning permitting, encouraging solar ready design, engaging finance institutions working on innovative funding options, and working with local utilities to provide interactive solar mapping tools for property owners across the region.
“We are proud to recognize OKI as the first regional organization in Ohio, Kentucky or Indiana to achieve SolSmart designation,” said Theresa Perry, Program Director at The Solar Foundation. “The Council of Governments is leading the OKI region to a clean energy future by providing education, technical assistance, and coordination. We encourage cities and counties in their region to work with OKI and the SolSmart program to achieve their clean energy goals.”
- 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
OKI is honored and excited to receive the Silver SolSmart designation. Our agency has worked with our member governments over the past few years to develop resources and provide training, to increase deployment of solar energy systems in the greater Cincinnati area.
- OKI CEO Mark Policinski
