Post Author's Photographer By WED Staff October 27, 2021

by Joel Zook, WED Energy Planner

Joel Zook recently participated in Here Comes the Sun: Solar Friendly Ordinances for communities, a webinar to help communities think through how to best zone for solar.

As more and more Iowans are adding solar to their homes and businesses, communities are wrestling with how to create zoning codes that allow for solar installations while maintaining the character of their communities. From permitting to zoning to inspection requirements, local laws can have a big impact on the success of solar in a community. Communities have been wrestling with how to get it right.

Speakers included:

Brian Ross, AICP, LEED GA, is Vice President at the Great Plains Institute. Brian currently directs GPI’s technical assistance for the national SolSmart certification program for local governments and will talk about assistance available to cities and counties.
Emma Pierson, Program Associate, with the Great Plains Institute. Emma focuses on community programming and will also be available to answer questions on GPI and the Sol Smart program.

Joel Zook, Energy Planner for the Winneshiek County Energy District. Joel has worked with a number of communities in NE Iowa around drafting zoning codes for solar. He will talk about this work and about key aspects communities need to consider to ensure the zoning code works for your community, no matter the size.

Jennifer Cowsert, City Administrator/City Clerk, City of Elkader, IA. Jennifer worked through the process of drafting a solar zoning code for the city. Jennifer will share her experiences and insight on why adopting a solar-friendly zoning code made sense for Elkader; and what they considered while drafting the code to ensure
success.

This webinar was hosted by: 1000 Friends of Iowa, the Iowa Environmental Council, and The Nature Conservancy in Iowa.

Click here to watch the video

Line drawing of a town with a central clock tower, wind turbine on the left, and yellow sun rays radiating from behind the buildings.

WED Staff

Event Recap Government Resources Solar Energy

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