HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-17-2017 - 4-b - Receipt of SolSmart Silver Level Designation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 17, 2017
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-b
SUBJECT: Receipt of SolSmart Silver Level Designation
DEPARTMENT: Asset Management Services
Planning and Inspections
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Orange County Final SolSmart Credit Brennan Bouma, 919-245-2626
Tally
Award Letter From The Solar Foundation
and ICMA
PURPOSE: To receive an award given to Orange County from the SolSmart program in
recognition of attaining Silver level designation for the County's efforts related to solar energy,
and to recognize staff in Planning and Inspections and Asset Management Services for their
efforts to reduce barriers to responsible solar energy growth.
BACKGROUND: SolSmart is a national recognition and technical support program to help
governments lower the costs for businesses and residents to invest in solar energy. SolSmart is
supported by a broad collaboration that includes International City/County Management
Association (ICMA) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) with funding from the US
Department of Energy's SunShot Initiative.
Orange County began working towards SolSmart designation in February of this year and, in
March, applied jointly with the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro for a SolSmart Advisor to
provide six (6) months of free, full-time technical assistance. The application was successful and
the three jurisdictions shared a team of solar experts from the NC Clean Energy Technology
Center at NC State. Working with this SolSmart technical advisory team, the three jurisdictions
worked independently on distinct issues and jointly on topics of shared interest. For example,
the Advisor was able to rank order the best Orange County facility rooftops for potential
investments in solar power as well as to organize joint trainings on solar for building inspectors.
Though continued work of the Planning and Inspections Department and the Sustainability
Coordinator, by July the County had attained the Silver level designation (see attached award
letter and final credit tally for details).
For more information on SolSmart and the more than 17 megawatts of solar developments
across Orange County, please go to the Orange County Sustainability Program's
website: http://www.orangecountync.govidepartments/asset management services (ams)/solar
project.php
2
FINANCIAL IMPACT: This SolSmart award and technical assistance package was provided to
the County at no cost.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable
to this item:
• GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY
The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary
for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their
dependents.
Solar energy generation distributes the energy generation infrastructure needed to support the
Orange County economy, creating a more resilient energy grid and reducing reliance on energy
sources outside of the County.
• GOAL: ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE LAND-USE AND
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes
and educational levels with respect to the development and enforcement of
environmental laws, regulations, policies, and decisions. Fair treatment means that no
group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental
consequences resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or
policies.
Reducing the barriers to responsible solar energy development Orange County has meant
clarifying the related policies and processes for all residents and businesses, leveling the
playing field for all who wish to employ this clean technology.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive an award on
behalf of the County from the SolSmart program in recognition of our Silver level designation
and to recognize staff in Planning and Inspections and Asset Management Services for their
efforts to reduce barriers to responsible solar energy growth.
3
SOLS M ART APPLICATION AIMIIV ISMS 11111M16,
PREREQUISITE SUMMARY ",' S Arm as oLJ `y, '%IC -- ) r a
Bronze Requirements Validation Status
PR-1:Solar Statement Done
P-1:Solar Permitting Checklist Done
PZD-1a:Zoning Review Memo Done
20 points in Permitting Done(40 points achieved)
20 points in Planning Zoning and Development Review Done(30 points achieved)
20 points in Special Focus Categories Done(195 points achieved)
Silver Requirements Validation Status
Bronze Designation requirements Done
PZD-2:Allow solar by-right and as an accessory use in all major zones Done
I-1:Provide cross-training of inspection and permitting staff on solar PV Done
100 points Done(265 points achieved)
Gold Requirements Validation Status
Silver Designation requirements Done
P-2:Provide a streamlined permitting pathway for small PV systems(no more
than 3 days) Incomplete
200 points Done(265 points achieved)
%of total points available achieved in each category Points achieved %of total available
Permitting 40 31%
Planning/Zoning 30 20%
Inspection 20 25%
Construction - 0%
Solar Rights 10 20%
Utility Engagement - 0%
Community Engagement 85 44%
Market Development&Finance 80 48%
4
SolSmart Credit Validation Report
Orange County,NC-Overall „zau�p1Nt11t1Y1tr MUM ��V1IS a v��N,
k /if/,,,
July 2017
S „ S ,loos
IN „L,:C 1,00111f PS'MP.AN'ED
Points Points
Already Newly Newly
Credit# Credit Description awarded Claimed Validated
PR-1 PR-1:Post a public statement of solar goals in the form of a SolSmart commitment letter. Yes
Permitting I 20 I 20 I 20
P-1:Create and make available an online checklist detailing the steps of your community's solar permitting
P-1 process.(0 points) Yes
P-2:Provide a streamlined permitting pathway for small PV systems with turn-around time of no more than 3
P-2 days.(20 points)
P-3 P-3:Distinguish between systems qualifying for streamlined or standard review.(5 points) 5
P-4 P-4:Require no more than one application form for a residential rooftop PV project.(5 points) 5
P-5a P-5a:Conduct a review of solar permit fees for residential and commercial solar.(5 points) 5 5
P-5b: Earn additional points: Revise or demonstrate that permit fees reflect national best practices($400 or
P-5b less for residential,and based on cost-recovery for commercial).(5 points) 5 5
P-6:Review permitting process for efficiency improvements and reduce processing time to 10 days or less.(10
P-6 points)
P-7 P-7:Adopt a standard solar permit form aligned with best practices(e.g.Solar ABCs).(10 points)
P-8:Train permitting staff on best practices for permitting solar PV and/or solar and storage systems.(10
P-8 points) 10 10
P-9 P-9:Train fire and safety staff on solar PV.(10 points)
P-10: Develop a regular communication schedule to solicit recommendations from the solar installer
P-10 community regarding procedural changes.(10 points) 10
P-11 P-11:Offer an online process for permitting submission and approval.(20 points)
P-12 P-12:Share open source permit data with fire and safety and other key third parties.(20 points)
P-13: Local Innovation: Has your community taken action to reduce permitting soft costs that wasn't captured
P-13 in the list above?
Planning,Zoning,and Development Review I 30 I 0 I 0
PZD-1a:Review zoning requirements and identifyrestrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibitsolar
PZD-1a PV development.Compile findings in a memo.(0 points) Yes
PZD-1b PZD-1b: Formally present PZD-1a memo findings to planning commission,or relevant zoning body.(5 points)
PZD-1c: Draft proposed language for changes to zoning code based on PZD-1a memo.Involve planners and/or
PZD-1c local zoning experts in the creation of the draft language.(5 points)
PZD-2:Allow solar by-right and as an accessory use in all major zones,and implement any zoning ordinance
PZD-2 adjustments.(20 points) 20
PZD-3a:Conduct review of existing planning documents and identify new opportunities to integrate solar PV
PZD-3a into planning goals.(5 points)
PZD-3b: Earn additional points: In consultation with planners and other staff,provide draft language on solar
PZD-3b PV.(5 points)
PZD-4 PZD-4:Provide clear guidance for solar in historic and special use districts.(10 points)
PZD-5:Integrate solar and/or shared solar into relevant local plans(e.g.energy plan,climate plan,
PZD-5 comprehensive plan).(10 points) 10
PZD-6 PZD-6:Include considerations for active and passive solar in development regulations.(10 points)
PZD-7:Provide development incentives for solar within subdivision or zoning process or as part of other
PZD-7 development incentives.(20 points)
PZD-8:Incentivize solar development on parking lots,vacant lots,landfills,buffer lands around uses with
PZD-8 nuisances,etc.(20 points)
PZD-9:Train planning staff on best practices in planning and zoning for solar PV.(must have occurred within
PZD-9 the past five years).(10 points)
PZD-10a PZD-10a:Ensure that the ordinance clarifies regulations for small ground-mounted PV.(5 points)
PZD-10b PZD-10b:Ensure that the ordinance establishes a clear regulatory pathway for primary use solar PV.(5 points)
5
PZD-10c: Ensure that the ordinance exempts rooftop solar PV from certain restrictions on accessory uses.(5
PZD-10c points)
PZD-10d:Ensure that the ordinance exempts small ground-mounted solar PV from certain restrictions.(5
PZD-10d points)
PZD-11:Create and provide a handout online for developers which provides an overview of development
PZD-11 regulations (5 points)
PZD-12:Local Innovation:Has your community taken action to reduce PZD soft costs that wasn't captured in
PZD-12 the list above?
Inspections I 0 I 20 I 20
I-1:Provide cross-training of inspection and permitting staff on solar PV via in-person or online resources.(20
I-1 points) 20 20
1-2 1-2:Eliminate excess inspections and consolidate inspection trips for solar PV.(10 points)
1-3 1-3:Offer inspection appointment times in lieu of appointment windows.(10 points)
1-4 1-4:Make inspection requirements for PV available online.(10 points)
1-5:Have a fixed time frame between inspection requests and scheduling of inspections of no more than 10
1-5 days.(10 points)
1-6 1-6:Provide an online process for scheduling and responding to inspection requests.(20 points)
1-7:Local Innovation:Has your community taken action to reduce inspections soft costs that wasn't captured
1-7 in the list above?
Construction Codes I 0 I 0 I 0
CC-la:Develop and provide"solar-ready construction guidelines"for developers to enable lower cost
CC-la installation of future solar installations on buildings within the permitting office and online.(10 points)
CC-1b:Earn additional points: Include guidance for solar parking lots and other types of non-traditional
CC-1b structures.(10 points)
CC-2:Require or incentivize new construction to be solar ready in order to complete future installations at
CC-2 lower cost.(10 points)
CC-3 CC-3:Offer design guidelines for PV aligned with NEC and fire code.
CC-4 CC-4:Adopt the most recent ICC codes.(20 points)
CC-5:Local Innovation:Has your community taken action to reduce construction codes soft costs that wasn't
CC-5 captured in the list above?
Solar Rights I 0 I 10 I 10
SR-1:Conduct review of state policies related to protecting rights of property owners to install solar and solar
SR-1 system owners'right to sunlight on their property.Make this information available to residents.(5 points) 5 5
SR-2 SR-2:Provide consumer protection resources on solar.(5 points) 5 5
SR-3 SR-3:Develop local process to enable solar rights through a solar access ordinance. (10 points)
SR-4 SR-4:Offer procedure for recording solar easements for property owners.(10 points)
SR-5a:Engage homeowners'and neighborhood associations and discourage unnecessarily restrictive
SR-5a requirements for PV through meetings with leadership.(10 points)
SR-5b SR-5b:Earn additional points:Encourage subdivisions to consider shared solar allowances. (5 points)
SR-5c:Earn additional points:Work with HOAs to develop appropriate guideline documents for solar PV.(5
SR-5c points)
SR-6:Local Innovation:Has your community taken action to reduce solar rights soft costs that wasn't captured
SR-6 in the list above?
Utility Engagement I 0 I 0 I 0
U-1:Review best practices for integrating interconnection with electrical inspections and share best practices
U-1 with staff. (5 points)
U-2 U-2:Discuss community or shared solar programs with local utility. (10 points)
U-3a:Engage and communicate with utility on community goals for solar,net metering and interconnection
U-3a processes.(10 points)
U-3b:Earn additional points:Coordinate with regional organization or other local governments to engage
U-3b utilities.(5 points)
U-4:Coordination of utility and city inspections for solar PV,reducing the total number of inspections needed.
U-4 (20 points)
U-5 U-5:Launch of and outreach support for utility-provided community solar program.(20 points)
U-6:Local Innovation:Has your community taken action to reduce utility engagement soft costs that wasn't
U-6 captured in the list above?
6
Community Engagement I 65 I 20 I 20
CE-1 CE-1:Active energy task force or working group which meets on at least three times per year.(10 points)
CE-2:Create a solar landing page on local government's website with information on community's solar goals
CE-2 and local resources for solar development.(10 points) 10
CE-3:Encourage solar on non-profit or community facilities through fee waivers,technical assistance or
CE-3 connections to other forms of support.(10 points)
CE-4a CE-4a:Support or host a community-group purchase program(e.g.a Solarize campaign).(20 points) 20
CE-4b:Earn additional points: Design program or create financing support options to encourage low-to-
CE-4b moderate income participation in community solar initiatives.(10 points)
CE-5a:Host a solar workshop open to the general public and/or local government staff explaining PV
CE-5a opportunities and policies. (5 points)
CE-5b:Creation and distribution of educational materials at relevant community events and through local
CE-5b government channels. (5 points) 5
CE-5c:Establish partnerships with local non-profits or organizations on solar with multi-year goal or planned
CE-5c initiatives. (5 points) 5
CE-5d CE-5d:Publicly encourage community solar projects or solar projects on community facilities. (5 points) 5
CE-5e:Engage community in robust,on-going discussion around climate,energy or sustainability plans.(5
CE-5e points)
CE-6:Create and publish job training and placement opportunities for solar in coordination with local
CE-6 community colleges.(20 points)
CE-7:Conduct feasibility analysis for solar on brownfields,landfills,formerly contaminated lands and/or other
CE-7 under-utilized properties.(10 points)
CE-8:Install or lease land for solar development on brownfields,landfills,formerly contaminated lands and/or
CE-8 other under-utilized properties.(20 points)
CE-9:Engage with regional organizations on advancing solar policies in the region including,but not limited to
CE-9 unified permitting processes and group procurement opportunities.(20 points) 20 20
CE-10 CE-10:Demonstrate activity in state-level conversations regarding solar PV.(20 points)
CE-11 CE-11:Create and share an interactive solar map for your community.(20 points) 20
CE-12:Local Innovation:Has your community taken action to reduce community engagement soft costs that
CE-12 wasn't captured in the list above?
Market Development&Finance I 45 I 40 I 35
MDF-1 MDF-1:Provide resources on active installers and/or local incentives for solar. (5 points) 5
MDF-2 MDF-2:Make solar metrics publicly available. (5 points) 5
MDF-3:Provide information to consumers about different solar PV financing options,including commercial
MDF-3 options,such as property-assessed clean energy(PACE)financing.(5 points) 5 5
MDF-4 MDF-4:Conduct feasibility analysis for solar PV installations on public facilities. (10 points) 10 10
MDF-5 MDF-5:Install solar capacity on local facilities. (20 points) 20
MDF-6a MDF-6:If applicable,provide PACE financing in your community.(10 points)
MDF-6b:Earn additional points:Demonstrate that PACE financing has been used to finance solar PV in your
MDF-6b community.(10 points)
MDF-7:Provide local incentives(i.e.permit fee waivers,rebates,or property tax exemptions)or locally-
MDF-7 enabled finance(i.e.a revolving loan fund)for solar.(20 points)
MDF-8:Engage local banks,credit unions,foundations and/or community funds about lending for solar PV
MDF-8 projects through in-person meetings,discussions and/or workshops.(20 points)
MDF-9:Demonstrate that community's installed per capita capacity is above top 20%of states(>99
MDF-9 watts/person).(20 points) 20 20
MDF-10:Integrate solar with other distributed or emerging technologies such as storage,CHP or electric
MDF-10 vehicles in at least one installed or proposed project.(20 points) 20
MDF-11:Develop feasibility analysis or planning for resilient solar technologies for critical facilities and
MDF-11 emergency planning such as solar and storage. (20 points)
MDF-12:Local Innovation:Has your community taken action to reduce market development and finance soft
MDF-12 costs that wasn't captured in the list above?
7
A
October 3, 2017
Orange County Asset Management Services
Attn: 1 .'reartan 'ourria
131 W. Margaret Lane, 3rd Floor
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Dear Mr. .,!Iia5urna„
Congratulatilms to Om.ge County for achieving th esig a in of SolStHoart Silwr! This
designation recognizes your community for taking bold steps to make it faster, easier, and
cheaper to go solar,
Enclosed you will find an official SolSrnart Silver pl;due, a recognition of your achievements
and commitment to solar energy,
SolSmart designation is more than just an award. It's a signal that your community is officially
"open for solar business," This designation shows local businesses, solar companies, and
residents that Orange County is a great place to go solar.
To help spread the word„ we encourage you to take a picture of coma unity officials with the
So1S art plaque. We would be happy to help you publicize your achievement. Post the photo
on social media, and we will share it with our networks as welt. (Be sure to include the hashtag
#BeSolSmart on Twitter or Facebook. If you have a Twitter account, we encourage you to follow
us at Ca),GoSolSmart as well!)
Thank you so much for all your hard work building a solar-friendly community. We hope to stay
in touch as we help other cities and counties adopt programs and practices to advance solar
energy if you have questions, please contact Philip Haddix at (202) 866-0915 or
SolSmart@SolarFound.org,
Sincerely,
Philip Haddix
Program Director, The Solar Foundation
Scott Armis
Program Manager,. International City/County Management Association.
SolSmart@SolarFound.org 202-469-3743 Visit us at SciSmart.org Follow us on Twitter @GoSolSmart