Here Comes the Sun: Solar Friendly Ordinances for Communities

The Iowa Environmental Council hosts several events throughout the year, including our Environmental Lobby Day during legislative session and Pro H₂O in the spring.

We also host and participate in other members-only and open events throughout the year including clean-ups; water monitoring; wind, solar and water tours; house parties; receptions and more. To submit an event to be considered for our calendar, please click here.

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Here Comes the Sun: Solar Friendly Ordinances for Communities

Sep1

Date: September 1, 2021
Time: 11:00am - 12:15pm
Location: Online
IA

Contact:
(iecmail@iaenvironment.org)

As more Iowans add solar to their homes and businesses, communities are wrestling with how to create zoning codes that allow for solar installations while maintaining the character of their communities. From permitting to zoning to inspection requirements, local laws can have a big impact on the success of solar in a community.

This webinar is for planners, city officials, architects, and anyone involved in thinking about how to zone for solar.

Please join IEC, 1000 Friends of Iowa, and The Nature Conservancy to hear from these great speakers:

Brian Ross, AICP, LEED GA, is Vice President at the Great Plains Institute. Brian currently directs GPI’s technical assistance for the national SolSmart certification program for local governments and will talk about assistance available to cities and counties.
Emma Pierson, Program Associate, with the Great Plains Institute. Emma focuses on community programming and will also be available to answer questions on GPI and the Sol Smart program.
Joel Zook, Energy Planner for the Winneshiek County Energy District. Joel has worked with a number of communities in NE Iowa around drafting zoning codes for solar. He will talk about this work and about key aspects communities need to consider to ensure the zoning code works for your community, no matter the size.
Jennifer Cowsert, City Administrator/City Clerk, City of Elkader, IA. Jennifer worked through the process of drafting a solar zoning code for the city. Jennifer will share her experiences and insight on why adopting a solar-friendly zoning code made sense for Elkader; and what they considered while drafting the code to ensure success.

The Iowa Environmental Council hosts several events throughout the year, including our Environmental Lobby Day during legislative session and Pro H₂O in the spring.