Committee advances bill to require instant residential solar permitting, amid local-government concerns

The Energy & Environment Committee voted to forward House Bill 1096, as amended, to the Finance Committee with a favorable recommendation after testimony both supporting and opposing the measure. The bill would require local jurisdictions to adopt automated, “instant” permitting systems for most residential solar projects and expand an existing Colorado Energy Office grant to support implementation.

Supporters said instant permitting will shorten permitting timelines, reduce cancellations and lower soft costs for households that install rooftop solar. Opponents — including county building officials and several county commissioners — said the mandate is premature because current software does not integrate zoning and utility reviews, may not suit regional permitting structures, and could limit inspections needed to verify safe installations.

Representative Greg Brown, a prime sponsor, told the committee the bill “will help to streamline residential solar permitting” and argued it would make clean energy “more accessible for Coloradans, helping people reduce their utility bills, alleviate municipal permitting burdens, and reducing pollution.” Co-prime sponsor Representative Smith said the bill “asks local jurisdictions to offer instant…