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SolSmart Designees
Palm Beach County
Florida
Population: 1,496,770
Designation Level:
SolSmart Gold
Year Designated:
Silver 2017 / Gold 2020
Palm Beach County achieved a 3-day turnaround time for solar energy permits on single-family dwellings, allowing the county to achieve SolSmart Gold designation in 2020.

- 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