Bill > HF2059

This bill requires local governments in Minnesota with over 5,000 residents to establish a "residential instant solar permitting platform" - a digital system that automates and expedites the permit process for residential solar panel installations. The platform must be capable of processing at least 75% of solar permit applications for existing construction, instantly issuing permits online without manual review, and accepting online fee payments. Local governments must submit two key reports: a compliance report within 60 days of implementing the platform, detailing the software used and confirming automated permitting, and an annual report from 2027 to 2036 tracking the number of permits issued, system characteristics, and plans to increase platform usage. The bill also mandates that these local governments provide inspection options, including remote video or photo inspections, and limit inspections to no more than one per project unless the first inspection fails. Local governments that do not require permits for residential solar systems are exempt from these requirements. The provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026, and local governments that fail to comply may become ineligible for certain departmental funding opportunities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2059&ssn=0&y=2025