NOPEC, SolSmart present free technical assistance to help Lorain update zoning for solar deployment

Representatives from NOPEC and the SolSmart program briefed the City of Lorain Planning Commission on Sept. 3 about a Department of Energy-funded technical-assistance cohort that offers free help to update zoning and land-use regulations to encourage solar deployment. Deepa Vedavyas, director of resiliency and sustainability at NOPEC, told commissioners the program offers training, model zoning language, and score-based certification (bronze, silver, etc.) that credits cities for removing barriers to solar in their codes. Vedavyas said NOPEC and ICMA helped form an Ohio cohort of about 18 communities that together represent roughly 520,000 residents; she said the cohort’s goal is to help many of the participating communities reach at least a bronze, and in some cases silver, SolSmart designation by the October training and complete recognition at NOPEC’s November assembly. City staff said Lorain’s zoning code currently lacks clear definitions and standards for solar — solar is referenced only as a conditional accessory use and solar farms are permitted without detailed standards — and staff welcomed the technical assistance. The planning commission and staff were told there is no cost to the city for the current DOE-funded help. Staff reported the city has received 78 residential solar-panel applications so far this year and suggested clearer zoning language could reduce permitting friction and help residents access federal tax credits while available. Commissioners asked whether commissioners and volunteer board members could attend the October zoning-focused session; staff said yes and said planning commissioners would be encouraged to attend. Staff were directed to circulate information about cohort sessions to commissioners. NOPEC and SolSmart offered to provide follow-up technical support, example code language, and access to ICMA subject-matter experts for deeper zoning review if needed.