A proposal to encourage the use of solar technologies by reducing building permit fees for building owners implementing solar photovoltaic rooftop technologies has been approved by the Boston City Council.

The ordinance will reduce permitting fees by 60 percent for solar projects by removing the cost of photovoltaic panels and other hardware from the calculation of project costs, according to a statement.

"Boston has consistently been ranked among the nation’s top green cities and the passing of this ordinance proves once again that our city is committed to forward-thinking and innovative environmental policy," said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who brought the proposal before city council. "Now, Boston developers will find it easier to adopt new solar technologies, while further reducing energy costs and providing long term benefits to the environment and our local economy."