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SolSmart Designees
Rancho Palos Verdes
California
In 2019, Rancho Palos Verdes joined seven other area communities and the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) to earn SolSmart designation for their cutting-edge work advancing solar energy, along with related technologies like electric vehicles (EVs).
Among its other accomplishments, Rancho Palos Verdes completed a feasibility analysis for a 40 kW solar carport with integrated EV chargers.

- 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