Bill > SF1741

This bill requires local governments in Minnesota with more than 5,000 residents to establish a "residential instant solar permitting platform" - a digital software system that can automatically and instantly review, approve, and issue permits for residential solar photovoltaic system installations. The platform must be capable of processing at least 75% of residential solar permit applications and must eliminate manual review processes, allowing for instant online permit approvals. Applicable local governments must submit a compliance report within 60 days of implementing the platform, detailing the software used and confirming that manual reviews are no longer required. Additionally, these local governments must submit annual reports from 2027 to 2036 describing the number and characteristics of permits issued through the platform. The bill also mandates that local governments provide options for remote inspections of solar installations via video or photos, with no additional cost or delay compared to in-person inspections, and limit inspections to a single visit unless the first inspection fails. Local governments that do not currently require permits for residential solar systems are exempt from these requirements. The provisions of this bill will become effective on July 1, 2026, and local governments that fail to comply may become ineligible for certain state funding opportunities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1741&ssn=0&y=2025