Solar

Roof Mounted Solar Projects

Roof mounted solar projects require a solar permit and an electrical permit.

To learn more about what is required as part of your submittal for a roof mounted solar permit, review our Residential Solar Project Checklist or the Non-Residential Solar Project Checklist.   Roof mounted solar projects must meet all building and electrical code requirements.  To find out what codes are currently enforced by the Department of Planning and Zoning, see our Building Inspections page.

Roof mounted solar permits do require plan review, which can take several business days for residential permits and up to 14 days for nonresidential permits, once all required submittals are received.  You can find the permit fee for solar projects by visiting our Fee Schedule page.  Electrical permits are an additional cost, which can be found here.  

Ground Mounted Solar Projects

 There are two categories of ground mounted solar projects: solar private and solar generation facilities. See below for more information about the two types of ground mounted solar projects.

Solar Private

  • Solar Private is ground mounted solar collectors and supplementary solar energy equipment that is accessory to a residential or nonresidential use and covers an area no more than two (2) acres.  
  • In no instance can solar private be the only use on a parcel.  
  • Solar private is designed for onsite use by the owner or tenant of the residential or nonresidential use
  • Solar Private is permitted in any zoning district
  • Solar Private must abide by the bulk regulations, density and dimensional standards of the underlying zoning district in which it is located.  

Solar Energy Generation Facilities

  • A facility consisting of ground mounted solar collectors and supplementary solar energy equipment used to produce electric power and is either the stand alone use or one of the principal uses for the parcel of land on which it is located.  
  • This includes ground mounted solar collectors and supplementary solar energy equipment that is accessory to a residential or nonresidential use that covers more than two (2) acres and is designed for onsite use by the owner or tenant of the residential or nonresidential use 
  • Solar Energy Generation Facilities are permitted as a special use in the agricultural and industrial zoning districts and shall meet the requirements set forth in Section 7.17.3 (“Standards for a Solar Energy Generation Facility”) through Section 7.17.5 (“Decommissioning Plan”). 
  • Solar Energy Generation Facilities are required to provide a Decommissioning Plan as part of the application process.  Please see the Decommissioning Plan Submittal Guide & Checklist  as well as the pertinent ordinance language for more information regarding this component.
  • Solar Energy Generation Facilities must also abide by the bulk regulations, density and dimensional standards of the underlying zoning district in which it is located.  For more information and to schedule a pre-application conference, please call the office and ask to speak with a Planner.
  • Solar Energy Generation Facilities shall meet the requirements of Section 3.13 Erosion, Sediment, and Stormwater Control Permits, including Storm Water Management Plans and Controls, regardless of area of disturbance.

Both of these permit types require a solar permit and electrical permit.  To learn more about what is required as part of your submittal for a ground mounted solar permit, review our Residential Solar Project Checklist or the Non-Residential Solar Project Checklist.   Ground mounted solar projects must meet all building and electrical code requirements.  To find out what codes are currently enforced by the Department of Planning and Zoning, see our Building Inspections page.  Additionally, there are ordinance requirements for these project as well.