Solar zoning regulations vary by jurisdiction and are constantly being revised; be sure to confirm zoning laws in your community before undertaking a solar installation project. Many jurisdictions do not yet include provisions for solar in their zoning codes. This does not mean you cannot install solar, however, make sure you get in touch with your zoning jurisdiction before getting started to ensure a smooth permitting and approval process.
Midvale
Currently, solar energy provisions are not mentioned in Midvale City’s zoning ordinances. View general building permitting information for Midvale or call (801)567-7210.
Park City
The Park City General Plan recognizes that “solar availability is an important resource in our natural environment and should be utilized in planning considerations. With an abundance of sunshine at our high altitude, solar energy is a viable natural resource that can be used as a supplement or alternative to fossil fuels.” The General Plan also recognizes that solar access is an important feature which makes Park City “appealing as a place to visit and live.” For this reason, Park City strives to adhere to best practices regarding solar-friendly zoning, and Park City Land Management Code 15-1-2 includes in its Statement of Purpose “To protect and ensure access to sunlight for solar energy devices.” Contact the Park City Planning and Zoning Department for more information about zoning.
Salt Lake City
In May 2011, Salt Lake City passed an ordinance to amend City Code Title 21A (hint: click on Zoning Chapter), which detailed zoning requirements for “small solar energy collection systems.” The ordinance addresses requirements for setback, location, and height of solar energy systems, and addresses roof coverage, code compliance, solar easements, and historic preservation overlay districts. Learn more about Title 21A.40.180: Small Solar Energy Collection Systems and Salt Lake City’s Sustainable Code Revision Project.
Salt Lake County
Salt Lake County is currently in the process of revising their Zoning and Development Ordinance. In practice, the county has been allowing solar energy facilities as accessory uses in all zones. The County hopes to move forward on solar provisions as the larger ordinance revisions project progresses. View building permit information Salt Lake County Building and Inspection, or call (385) 468-6700.
Summit County
Summit County is currently working to incorporate solar into the County Development Code. For now, the County typically addresses solar zoning within the solar PV/Electrical Permit process. View permitting information from the for Summit County Building Division, or call (435) 336-3117.
West Valley City
West Valley City addresses solar access in Municipal Code Title 7 – Land Use Development and Management Act, which contains numerous protections and provisions for solar access. West Valley Code encourages the construction of streets that are oriented to run east to west to allow the maximum amount of solar radiation for each structure. The Code recommends that structures are “oriented so that the longest axis is aligned due east/west… to maximize the amount of solar energy available to each structure.” West Valley Code further recommends that solar access is established for each newly constructed house by ensuring that south-facing roof space receives full sunlight from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the shortest day of the year, and incorporates protection of solar easements.
My Community Isn’t Listed Here…
The jurisdictions listed above are part of the Wasatch Solar Challenge, a team working to streamline the solar process. If you don’t see your city listed, please contact your city zoning and planning office directly and inquire about their current solar zoning rules.
If you represent a local government and would like to add your information to this list, please email solar@utahcleanenergy.org with specifics.