Solar Installations
Solar arrays require the issuance of a building permit prior to installation.
Plan Review Requirements
Please review the "Solar Photovoltaic" portion of the Plan Review Requirements sheet below to ensure that all necessary details are included in your plans. This list includes project-specific details for new construction.
Application Process
- Complete a Building Permit Application. **Please note that if your property is located in the Historic District, the project must first be reviewed by the Historic District Commission before applying for a building permit. See more details below.
- Submit plans and any required supplemental materials online, via email, or in person at 37 Broadway, Second Floor. Be sure to review the Plan Review Requirements document to ensure that all information is included in your plan submission. Incomplete plans will result in delayed permit issuance.
- Zoning review conducted by the Planning and Zoning Specialist.
- Once approved, plans are transmitted to MEGCO Inspections for plan review. Please allow 7-10 working days for plan review, although the turnaround time can vary according to the project size.
- Plans released to staff or returned to the applicant for modifications.
- City staff contacts the applicant to notify of the permit and inspection fees.
- Permit issued upon payment of fees. Applicant is provided with the Residential Inspection Requirements sheet, which details how and when to schedule any inspections associated with the project.
- As construction progresses, all inspections must be scheduled through MEGCO Inspections. Inspections can be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance by calling 1-800-304-5942.
Additional Reviews for Properties in the Historic District
All properties in the Historic District must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic District Commission prior to making exterior modifications. If your property is located in the Historic District, please review the Solar Installations in the Historic District packet below, which contains recommendations for special considerations that must be made when installing solar panels on historic properties. For more information about the HDC review process, please visit the Historic District page.
Online Permit Applications
The City now offers the ability for the public to utilize the Permit Portal to submit applications and plans to the Community Development Department, check the status of active permits, and accept payment for permit fees online. Click the link below and complete the pre-submittal application for your request. You will then be contacted by a staff member to complete the submission process. Please call 301-689-6000, ext. 105 with any permit-related questions.
