Royal Oak approves RENO fee-waiver pilot and rooftop solar for library

Royal Oak commissioners voted Oct. 27 to adopt a pilot residential program (RENO) that waives permit and inspection fees for qualifying sustainability and aging-in-place improvements, and to award a rooftop solar contract for the Royal Oak Public Library.

RENO pilot: Staff (Miss Treba) described the Residential Enhancement and Neighborhood Opportunity (RENO) program as an application-based pilot to lower barriers for sustainable home improvements, energy retrofits, and aging-in-place conversions. Eligible activities are illustrative rather than exhaustive; each application is reviewed by multiple departments (building, economic development, sustainability) and waivers are applied per permit or activity. Staff emphasized that qualifying one improvement (for example, a tub-to-shower conversion tied to aging-in-place) does not automatically zero all permits for unrelated work (for example, a new vanity’s electrical permit). The pilot is set to sunset after two years. Commissioners asked about standards and resident outreach; staff said the program will be adjusted based on pilot learnings and clarified that multi-tiered review will determine eligibility. The commission approved the fee-schedule amendment and resolution to implement the RENO pilot by voice vote.

Library solar: The commission approved a turnkey rooftop solar installation for the Royal Oak Public Library, recommending Michigan Solar Solutions as the vendor. Presenters said the project will not exceed $400,000, will produce about 190 kilowatts at full capacity, and is modeled for a 10–12 year payback; staff estimated roughly $28,000 in annual energy savings and about 200 metric tons of CO2 avoided annually. Funding sources include American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and a 2024 library grant. The vendor noted some federal incentives and commercial tax-credit timing (referenced in the discussion as related to “48e”) and underscored the need to order materials to meet certain supply-chain timelines and foreign-entity-of-concern requirements. Commissioners highlighted an educational, public-facing dashboard to show real-time production in the library lobby. The motion to approve the vendor and proceed with contract signing passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: The RENO pilot and the library solar project both advance the commission’s sustainability and climate-action goals while lowering upfront costs for residents and leveraging municipal funds and federal incentives for renewable energy.

What’s next: The RENO pilot will begin accepting applications and will be revisited during and after the two-year pilot for possible adjustments. The library solar contract will proceed to formal signing and the vendor expects 4–6 months for installation after contract finalization and permitting.