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Deer Park, Illinois earned the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC) EV-Ready Bronze designation in 2024 for their work to increase access to EV charging infrastructure and remove barriers to EV growth. That included updates to permitting and inspection practices, safety training for staff, zoning updates, and more. MMC’s EV-Ready program is a partner of Charging Smart.
In Illinois and nationwide, SolSmart-designated communities are opening up solar markets and encouraging a dramatic expansion of solar energy. Deer Park is one of those communities, earning a SolSmart Silver designation in 2019 and helping lead the way in solar access.
- 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
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