HomeMy WebLinkAboutPhotovoltaic Permit Process Public Comment from Blake Maxwell 2-14February 12, 2014
Mayor Jeff Krauss and the Bozeman City Commission
Bozeman City Hall
121 N. Rouse Ave.
Bozeman, MT 59715
RE: Photovoltaic systems permitting fees and application process
Dear Mayor Krauss and the Bozeman City Commission,
We are hereby submitting a proposal recommending the revision of the City of Bozeman’s
photovoltaic system permit application, review, and fee processes. With a combined portfolio of over
400 solar photovoltaic projects installed in Montana, totaling nearly a megawatt of installed capacity,
along with 22 years of related experience in the renewable energy industry, we appreciate any time
you spend considering this proposal.
Listed herein are five recommendations that, if followed, would facilitate greater development of
photovoltaic (PV) systems within Bozeman city limits:
I. Flat permitting fee for PV system applications. We fully support a proper permitting
process as well as the subsequent plan and site review for PV systems. Currently, the
cost of a City of Bozeman permit is directly tied to the project valuation, much of which
is dependent on the high cost of equipment. This fee schedule serves to disincentivize
property owners from installing systems altogether, in addition to further discouraging
the installation of larger-scale systems. While the State of Montana currently applies
only a $60 fee for PV system review and inspection, we would ask that the City of
Bozeman Building Inspection Division implement a flat $125 fee for PV systems. (We
prefer a higher fee than the state because the thorough review by well-trained, City
personnel elevates the overall quality of the work and helps maintain safety standards
within our community.)
II. Plan review and site inspection of PV systems should be administered within the
City of Bozeman Building Department. We are encouraging that the City review
process be serviced most efficiently via coordination between the property owner, their
contractor, and the City of Bozeman Building Department. Earlier this month, the
Bozeman’s Director of Community Development acknowledged that the state’s historical
preservation office does not consider PV panels as detrimental to historic structures,
and that PV system installations be encouraged.
III. The Building Permit PV system checklist should be updated. The City of Bozeman
Building Inspection Division permit applications for residential and commercial work
have a “PV system checklist” that is not contemporary with the industry. We suggest
that the documents be reviewed by an industry expert who would make line-item
recommendations to render it current. Additionally, we offer our time and services to
this task at no cost to the City of Bozeman.
IV. The application review process by the City of Bozeman Building Department
should be limited to a maximum of fifteen (15) business days.
V. Any property owner within Bozeman city limits shall not be discouraged from PV
systems by subsequent regulatory authorities. Though these instances are rare at
present, we suggest that no HOA, collective property agreement of a residential or
commercial nature, or any similar agreement within the City of Bozeman’s legal purview
be allowed that restricts the installation and upkeep of PV systems, whether they are
affixed on a structure or free-standing on the property.
We also wish to illuminate a unique opportunity for Bozeman to take a leading role in the state and
regional PV industry. Regarding schedule, we hope the City of Bozeman responds quickly to facilitate
this year’s construction season and prompt a significant jump in demand from the marketplace.
There are currently time-limited federal incentives for PV systems that property owners within the
City of Bozeman would like to exercise. Thank you again for your consideration of this proposal.
Best Regards,
Orion Thornton
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Professional
Owner, Onsite Energy LLC
Board of Directors, Montana Renewable Energy Association
(406) 249-9912
orion@osesolar.com
Conor Darby
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Professional
Owner, Solstice Energy Systems LLC
President, Montana Renewable Energy Association
(406) 600-2075
cdarby@solar-mt.com
Written by:
Blake Maxwell
Owner, The Bozeman Magpie LLC
(406) 209-0981
bozemanmagpie@gmail.com