SolSmart Designees
Winter Park
Florida
Population: 30,825
Designation Level:
SolSmart Gold
Year Designated:
Silver 2018 / Gold 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
Winter Park has long been a leader in clean, sustainable energy, and was the first Central Florida community to offer PACE financing for residents and business owners. Through SolSmart, Winter Park is committed to improving solar access and reducing soft costs of solar installations.
- Vanessa Balta Cook, Sustainability & Permitting Planner
