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Wausau staff says city’s zoning is largely solar-friendly in SolSmart review; suggests adding a purpose statement
Summary
City staff summarized a SolSmart zoning review that found Wausau largely supportive of solar installations but recommended adding a purpose statement to zoning or the comp plan; next step is a SolSmart application and a comp plan update in 2027.
City planning staff summarized a SolSmart zoning review to the Planning Commission on Sept. 16, reporting that Wausau’s zoning code is broadly favorable to rooftop and ground-mounted solar but that the city could improve by adding a purpose statement to its zoning or comp plan language.
Carrie Edmondson, city planning staff, said SolSmart—an external designation similar to Bicycle Friendly Community or Tree City USA—benchmarks communities on permitting, planning and zoning, government operations, community engagement and market development. She said SolSmart’s preliminary zoning review found Wausau “did well in roof mounted solar, ground mounted accessory use solar, ground mounted primary use solar” but flagged the absence of a zoning purpose statement as a minor area for improvement.
Edmondson said the city’s zoning code lacks a clear place for aspirational language and that staff are considering adding such a statement in the comprehensive plan, which is scheduled for an update in 2027. She said the next steps are to review SolSmart’s written feedback and return an application through the Planning Commission and the state Department of Administration, which reviews the designation.
Edmondson told the commission that with “pretty little commitment we will do pretty well in this category,” and that technical assistance from SolSmart would point to specific permitting and inspection improvements. Commissioners had no formal vote; the item was informational and will proceed through the standard application process.
Background and process: SolSmart provides recognition and technical assistance to make communities more solar-friendly. Edmondson said the city will consider SolSmart’s feedback as part of the comprehensive-plan update and will route any amendments through the Planning Commission before forwarding to City Council and the Department of Administration for state review.
