Spokane: City First in State to Implement Solar Permit Software Program
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~ Spokane, Washington - The City of Spokane has taken a major step towards achieving its renewable energy goal by implementing a new technology that not only saves customers time and money, but also promotes the use of solar energy citywide. This pilot project, launched by the Development Services Center (DSC), is the first of its kind in Washington and utilizes an online software platform called Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus (SolarAPP+).

According to Tami Palmquist, Director of the DSC, SolarAPP+ allows for an instantaneous review of permit applications for residential rooftop solar systems. This significantly reduces wait times by at least two weeks, making the process more efficient and customer-friendly. "The use of SolarAPP+ is another step the DSC is taking to make our permitting processes easier and more customer-friendly," said Palmquist.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, SolarAPP+ was developed in collaboration with the solar industry, code organizations, building safety community, and local governments. It aims to standardize, streamline and automate the solar permitting process without compromising safety and code compliance. This will also enable homeowners to start saving money on their energy bills sooner.

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While there is a $25 processing fee charged by the SolarAPP+ website for the automated review process, City plan review fees will be waived for projects reviewed through this platform. This makes it a cost-effective option for homeowners interested in installing solar systems.

The City has seen a steady increase in interest for solar systems in recent years with 72 permits issued in 2019, 76 in 2020, 207 in 2021, 591 in 2022 and 523 in 2023. With SolarAPP+, this number is expected to rise even further.

The success of this pilot project has led to its permanent implementation as a program offered by the City. However, manual reviews of solar permit applications will still be available for those who prefer it. For more information, interested parties can email permitteam@spokanecity.org or call 509-625-6300. This new technology is a testament to the City's commitment towards renewable energy and its efforts to make the process easier for its residents.

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