• I understand you use a [flat or valuation-based] method to assess solar permit fees, correct?
• I understand your total permit fee for our survey question is $[cost], correct?
• What review services does the permit fee cover? For example, a plan check, electrical inspection…
• Does the permit fee usually cover all that the city spends to process a permit, or do you usually have a net gain or net loss?
• [ONLY FOR CITIES WITH LOW FEES AND QUICK PROCESSING TIMES] Your city is more progressive than most in the area in terms of solar permit fees and processing times. To what do you attribute this?
• Have you had any comments from solar contractors or customers about your fees or how you assess them?
• Do you expect to change your permit fees in the near future?
• How long does it usually take to process a permit?
• [ONLY FOR CITIES WITH PLAN REVIEWS] How long does the pre-installation review take? Does it take more time for larger systems?
• How long does the post-installation inspection take? Does it take more time for larger systems?
• Do your processing times vary much?
• What factors control that variation?
• Timewise, what aspect of your process is the main bottleneck?
• Have you had any comments from solar contractors or customers about your process?
• Do you think the process works well, or does it need improvement?
• Do you expect to change your process at all in the near future?