HB 23-1234 Summary

• Creates the Streamlined Solar Permitting and Inspection Grant Program to provide grants to local governments for implementing automated permitting and inspection software for residential solar and energy storage systems.

• Establishes grant funding tiers based on population: jurisdictions under 50,000 may receive up to $40,000; 50,000-100,000 up to $60,000; 100,000-200,000 up to $80,000; and 200,000+ up to $100,000.

• Grants cover eligible expenses including staff time, IT costs, training, installation, consulting, three years of maintenance, and equipment, but exclude software fees, food/beverage, fines, and advertising.

• Appropriates $992,709 from the general fund for the 2023-24 fiscal year to the Colorado Energy Office for administering the grant program, with the office using up to 9% for administrative costs.

• Program sunsets on July 1, 2033; office must approve and allocate grants by June 30, 2024, and submit annual progress reports to legislative committees.