City passed resolution No. 20-97 which directed the Mayor to execute a letter to the International City/County Management Association and The Solar Foundation announcing the City’s commitment to become a SolSmart-designated community. The letter affirms the city’s commitment to improve solar market conditions, making it faster, easier, and more affordable for our residents and businesses to install solar energy systems. The statement also set the following goals for the City of Council Bluffs:
– Create a 10-year sustainability master plan to include City goals and objectives to decrease energy, water and fossil fuel use along with Greenhouse gas emission by 2030 while also increasing reuse and recycling of materials.
– Enact policies to remove barriers and support the installation of sustainable, clean energy.
– Engage the community and surrounding areas to encourage clean energy practices.
As of August 2021, the City of Council Bluffs has been awarded a SolSmart Gold designation because it met the following criteria:
– 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
Policy Details:
Citation:
City of Council Bluffs Resolution No. 20-97 to encourage solar energy development
