Culpeper County, VA

Culpeper County, Virginia earned SolSmart Silver by updating zoning to address topics such as ecovoltaics, solar panel decommissioning, and more. Additionally, the County adopted automated solar permitting, trained staff in solar best practices, and provided information for residents and installers about solar energy rules and installation guidelines.

• Posted online resources about residential and commercial solar PV financing options and incentives
• Posted online resources about consumer protection and solar PV
• Posted an online summary of state policies related to a property owner’s solar access and solar rights, including links to state-level policy
• Posted an online summary of state policies related to Homeowner Associations (HOAs) ability to regulate and/or restrict solar PV, including links to state-level policy
• Posted online resources about solar installers and/or solar quote platforms for solar PV
• Posted a solar landing page on local government’s website with information that may include the community’s solar goals, educational materials and tools that promote solar
• Posted an online checklist detailing the required permit(s), submittals, and steps of the community’s permitting process for residential rooftop solar PV
• Trained permitting & inspection staff on best practices for permitting solar PV and/or solar and storage systems
• Posted an online statement confirming a three-business day turnaround time for residential rooftop solar PV
• Demonstrated pathway for instant/automatic approval of residential rooftop solar PV systems (e.g., using SolarAPP+)
• Posted community metrics related to the number of solar PV and solar + storage permits & inspections processed by the community annually, average annual permitting & inspection timelines
• Distinguished between solar PV systems qualifying for streamlined and standard permit review
• Provided an online process for solar PV permit submission and approval
• Received a demonstration of an instant or automated platform (e.g., SolarAPP+) and discussed how it might be implemented in the permitting process
• Demonstrated that residential permit fees for solar PV are $500 or less
• Required no more than one inspection for small rooftop solar PV
• Posted solar PV inspection requirements online, including the inspection process and what details inspectors will review
• Ensured the zoning ordinance establishes a clear regulatory pathway for large-scale solar PV
• Trained planning and zoning staff on best practices in planning and zoning for solar PV
• Reviewed zoning requirements and identify restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibit solar PV development
• Posted an online document from the Planning/Zoning Department that states accessory use solar PV is allowed by-right in all major zones
• Ensured the zoning ordinance requires a decommissioning plan that outlines the terms and conditions for a large-scale solar PV system’s proper removal at the end of its useful life cycle or in the event of cessation of operation
• Ensured the zoning ordinance includes a native perennial vegetation and/or habitat-friendly ground cover requirement or standard for large-scale solar PV