[This is an EXCERPT: read the whole article here. -Ed.]

by Libby Tucker

"As Oregon’s solar industry takes off, builders have sometimes been at odds with city and state regulators struggling to keep on top of the changes. But the two sides came together briefly last week at the Northwest Solar Expo, with builders boning-up on state requirements and regulators offering more clarity on building codes and permits."

"The Portland Bureau of Development Services took the opportunity to announce its new permitting process for solar installations, which was met with applause from contractors attending the event."

"The city didn’t really have a permitting process for solar installations until now, [Andria Jacob, a conservation program manager for the Portland Office of Sustainable Development] said. Contractors had to go through a structural review in order to obtain a building permit from BDS as well as any electrical or plumbing specialty permits that were required.

"The new process replaces the need for multiple permits with one bundled permit for solar installations. Starting May 1, contractors can apply for a solar installation permit and go through a review at the city’s Design Services Center, pay the $100 fee and have the permit in-hand within one day, Jacob said."