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County to oppose automated solar permitting bill unless app reliability issues resolved
Summary
Arapahoe County staff and commissioners said HB25‑1096, which would require an automated residential solar permitting platform, has significant technical and operational problems; the board moved to oppose pending technical fixes and further talks with sponsors.
Arapahoe County’s legislative team recommended opposing House Bill 25‑1096, which would require counties with certain population thresholds to adopt an automated residential solar permitting platform.
Staff told commissioners the county supports streamlining permitting but said the proposed statewide app has persistent technical failures in jurisdictions that have tried it, compatibility questions for equipment listings and grounding systems, and an inspection model that limits on‑site oversight to a single video/video‑photo inspection — a point county attorneys said could conflict with building‑code observation requirements.
County representatives said CCAT (county attorneys) and local permitting staff had worked with the bill sponsors to seek amendments and a grant program to help local governments adopt the platform. Staff reported a technical meeting between proponents and opponents was scheduled to assess whether the app can be made compatible with existing permitting systems.
After discussion, the board directed staff to oppose HB25‑1096 in its current form but to coordinate testimony with county partners (CCAT/CCI) and reassess if the technical meeting produces a workable solution. Commissioners indicated five affirmative signals in support of the oppose position.
County staff will monitor the sponsor/technical talks and, if needed, submit testimony addressing the app’s operational and fiscal impacts on county permitting.
