CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Waive the first reading and pass the ordinance amending Article H (Fees for Construction and New Development) of Chapter 9 (Municipal Finances) of Title 1 (Administrative) of the Naperville Municipal Code to establish a residential photovoltaic (solar) permit type and fee
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Amy Emery, AICP, Operations Manager
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
Not required.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Naperville is pursuing a national SolSmart designation as part of the objectives to advance renewable energy, enact policies to support clean energy, and engage the community in clean energy practices in accordance with the 2010 Naperville Sustainability Plan. This effort is also consistent with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ Greenest Regional Compact (GRC) the City of Naperville joined in April 2017 (Resolution 17-251). The GRC promotes sustainability in Chicago communities across the region with an emphasis on building strong and vibrant communities. As a part of this SolSmart designation process, City staff has reviewed permit requirements and identified an opportunity to streamline residential permitting in accordance with best practices.
DISCUSSION:
As a part of the City of Naperville’s efforts to achieve SolSmart designation, a single permit for residential solar installations has been prepared by staff. This permit replaces two separate permits that were previously required (building and electrical) for residential photovoltaic (solar) installations (e.g. solar panels). The single permit will capture all of the information previously collected through the separate permits, eliminate duplication, and allow for efficiencies in inspection as well. Staff is requesting approval of a new permit type and fee category in the Municipal Code to account specifically for the streamlined residential photovoltaic (solar) permits. The new fee structure is consistent with other small residential permits and will provide more clarity and consistency for the applicants.
Commercial installations, depending on the system, can be larger and more complex. As such, separate building and electrical permits are still required. Commercial permits will continue to adhere to the existing standard fees required for miscellaneous commercial permits.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Moving from two separate permits (building and electrical) to a single residential photovoltaic (solar) permit will simplify the process and provide cost savings for residents. In 2018, the City of Naperville received approximately $3,000 from residential photovoltaic (solar) permit applications.