Depending on the number of solar installation applications a jurisdiction reviews or expects to review, the zoning code or a solar ordinance can help standardize and streamline the process. The following links are resources to aid in the consideration and development of regulatory language in your district.
- Model Ordinance Guidelines for Municipalities
- Address Solar in the Zoning Code and Adopt a Solar Ordinance
- Solar Ordinance Matrix
- American Planning Association SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership
Model Ordinance Guidelines for Municipalities
The Model Ordinance Guidelines for Municipalities provide guidance for cities on best practices for the development of a solar ordinance. These guidelines are based on a series of roundtable discussions held by NCTCOG with planners, sustainability managers, building inspectors, and solar industry professionals from North Texas.
Address Solar in the Zoning Code and Adopt a Solar Ordinance
This document is a white paper created by Solar Ready II to provide best management practices for addressing solar in the zoning code and adopting a solar ordinance.
Solar Ordinance Matrix
The Solar Ordinance Matrix is an overview of existing solar ordinances in the North Texas region. If you know of any ordinances not represented here, or of any information that has changed, please contact us to correct it!
American Planning Association's SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership
In partnership with the Department of Energy's SunShot Solar Outreach program, the American Planning Association has published a variety of documents and resources related to planning and zoning for solar energy use.
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Best Management Practices for Local Governments
- Address Solar in the Zoning Code or Adopt a Solar Ordinance
- Create a Central Information Source
- Create a Permitting Checklist
- Develop Criteria for Expedited Processes
- Develop Solar-Ready Guidelines or Adopt a Solar-Ready Ordinance
- Engage Homeowners Associations
- Pre-Qualify Electrical Plans and Installers
- Standardize Permit Fees