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Plan Commission reviews SolSmart zoning review; staff to pursue draft solar zoning language
Summary
Monona received a SolSmart zoning review that finds the city code silent on solar and recommends adding clear definitions and standards; commissioners supported limited, careful code language to clarify rooftop rules and to protect neighbors while asking staff to work with SolSmart on draft amendments.
City staff and a SolSmart technical advisor presented a zoning review to the Monona Plan Commission finding that the city’s zoning code does not currently address solar development and offering model ordinance language and recommendations to increase clarity for residents and developers.
Thor (city staff) summarized the memo: “Our zoning code currently doesn’t address solar development, at all,” and said the SolSmart review recommends adding a solar purpose statement, definitions that distinguish roof-mounted and ground-mounted systems, and clear, proportionate development standards. Thor said the work responds to a City Council resolution directing Monona to pursue SolSmart designation.
Zach Wyman, SolSmart technical advisor with Cadmus, described SolSmart as a Department of Energy-funded designation program that provides no-cost technical assistance and guidance. Wyman emphasized that SolSmart focuses on lowering soft costs by improving permitting, planning and inspection processes and said, “I will never send over an invoice for anything…
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