HCSF Rules and Procedures

The City of Hopkins reserves the right to revoke the funding if the property owner or contractor violates program rules and procedures.

• Program rebates are intended to reimburse the cost of projects that have been completed following the application closing on September 5.
• The program will not reimburse projects that have been purchased prior to receiving grant funds. 
• Program rebates are only intended to reimburse hard costs of equipment. Labor and installation associated with any equipment are not considered eligible expenses.
• Applications are limited to one project per address. If you are applying for multiple projects located at different addresses fill out a separate application for each project.
• The City of Hopkins cannot recommend specific contractors.
• All work must meet City of Hopkins, state, regional and national zoning, building and fire codes following approval of any and all necessary permits.
• The applicant is responsible for arranging all upfront project financing.
• The applicant is responsible for ensuring that product purchases, equipment purchase, installation or other work proposed have been completed satisfactorily before paying the contractor(s).
• Check with your tax preparer to find out if there are tax implications of receiving funds from the Hopkins Climate Solutions Fund.

Rules and Guidance for Solar Projects

• Check with your property insurer to find out if solar panels are covered under your insurance policy.
• For solar projects, HCSF funds can only be used to compensate for the installation cost of the system.
• The applicant is strongly encouraged to verify the installer’s qualifications. The installation of racking, placing and securing modules, and the installation of all electrical wiring and electrical equipment, must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor and its licensed or registered employees. Make sure the installer and the licensed electrical contractor are in good standing with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). To verify the status of licenses, visit the Department of Labor and Industry's website or call DLI at 651-284-5069.
• Project costs include all costs required for design and construction of the solar array itself. Any structural improvements required to support the load of a solar array and any optional project additions (such as skirts or snow guards) will be excluded from the cost sharing calculation.
• Funds are allocated based on what is approved in the application. In the event project scope or solar system size increases or decreases, the applicant is responsible for working with their developer to submit updated documents to the City.

Rules and Guidance for Green Infrastructure Bonus Zone

• View a map of the Green Infrastructure Bonus Zone. If you are unsure if your property falls within this area, please contact the HCSF Program Manager
• Costs associated with qualifying site improvements are not the responsibility of the property owner.
• The following site improvements qualify eligible entities for the additional bonus rebate:
  1. The conversion of 10% or more of dark impervious surfaces, including parking lots or internal private roadways;
  2. Increase shade trees on the property by 10%;
  3. Replace rooftops with white membranes or green roofs.
• Applicants are responsible for calculating the percentages and providing drawings or other information to City staff to verify project eligibility
• Trees planted must not be Ash, Maple, or non-disease resistant Elm. The following is a list of preferred tree species:
  1. Hackberry (Celtis Occidentalis)
  2. Espresso Kentucky Coffee tree (Gymocladus Dioicus)
  3. Ironwood (Ostrya Virginiana)
  4. Swamp White Oak (Quercys Bicolor)
  5. Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa Reticulata)
  6. Basswood (Tilia Americana)
  7. Accolade Elm (Ulmus Var. ‘Morton’)
  8. Other species as approved by the City Forester.