SolSmart Designees
South Barrington
Illinois
Population: 4,996
Designation Level:
SolSmart Gold
Year Designated:
Silver 2017 / Gold 2018
- 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 counterCreated a streamlined process to approve certain solar permit applications over the counter
South Barrington is very proud of being designated a SolSmart Gold community. Since our designation, over two years ago, we have experienced pronounced interest in solar energy utilization. We are excited to join with other like-minded communities in Illinois to lead the nation in the number of SolSmart designees.
- Paula McCombie, Mayor, South Barrington
