300-plus photovoltaic permits issued under new online system

         The Department of Planning and Permitting’s (DPP) new online photovoltaic building permit system has gotten off to a very successful start with more than 300 permits issued in a little more than a day since the self-service system was launched on September 20.

            The expanded online system allows licensed contractors to go to the DPP website, http://dev.honoluludpp.org, and issue their own photovoltaic (PV) permits for most single-family residences. The application process is easy to complete and can be done right up to the start of a job.

            DPP implemented the online program because resources had been overwhelmed by PV permit applications as the popularity of the environmentally friendly systems has grown. Appointments with DPP plan reviewers were dominated by PV requests, which meant applicants for other types of building permits suffered.

            “The new PV permit feature will lessen the burden on DPP staff, which will now be able to devote more time to customers who often have very complex projects to review,” said DPP Director David Tanoue.