Sullivan County

The Catskills region in New York State is not just home to beautiful mountains, but also a county setting aggressive goals toward a clean energy economy. Sullivan County, New York is now a SolSmart a SolSmart Silver-designated Community! The Silver designation shows the local government has created a favorable environment for solar business, which generates jobs and helps build local economies in the region.

Sullivan County celebrated its SolSmart designation with surrounding communities at a 2019 event at SUNY Sullivan. The half-day workshop, “Local Governments Leading the Clean Energy Transition,” was organized by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability USA, which served as a SolSmart Advisor to the county during 2019.

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Celebrating Solar in Sullivan County

• 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