City Planning and Engagement

Background

In early 2024, City Administration committed to becoming a SolSmart designated community. SolSmart is a certification program for local governments seeking to reduce solar energy barriers, clarify/simplify processes, and improve solar market conditions. The Office of Environment and Sustainability (OES) has been working with the Department of City Planning and Engagement (DCPE) and the Department of Buildings and Inspections (B&I) to become certified. In October 2024, the City of Cincinnati achieved SolSmart Bronze Certification, which resulted in the creation of the following new resources:

• Solar Landing Page

• Solar Zoning Clarification Letter

• Solar Zoning Fact Sheet

• Solar Permitting Checklist

We are now working towards a higher designation and are proposing text amendments to the Cincinnati Municipal Code to make it easier to install solar energy. The first step was to understand the local solar energy landscape from local businesses, local workforce, nonprofits, financial institutions, and residents. DCPE engaged professional stakeholders and conducted a public survey in 2025 and 2025. Using our engagement data, staff created proposed text amendments and are holding a public staff conference to garner additional feedback on the proposed legislation.

Public Meetings

• Professional Stakeholder Virtual Engagement Meeting #1
  February 25, 2025 at 4:00pm
  Please email maria.dienger@cincinnati-oh.gov if you wish to attend.​

• Public Staff Conference
  October 21, 2026 at 5:00pm
  Register at https://bit.ly/SolarStaffConference

• City Planning Commission
  TBD

• Equitable Growth & Housing Committee
  TBD

• City Council
  TBD

 

Contact

For any questions or comments please contact:
Maria Dienger, Senior City Planner | maria.dienger@cincinnati-oh.gov | 513-352-4840​