Both roof mounted and ground mounted solar panels are allowed in the City. There is no limit to the amount of roof mounted solar panels. Ground-mounted solar panels should be considered a subordinate use to the principal structure on a property, meaning their scale and purpose must be secondary to the primary function of the land or building.

Solar power installations are permitted anywhere in the City as an accessory use to a permitted structure only. Please note that solar installations located in Historic Districts or Entrance Corridors may be subject to additional requirements. Solar power installations are only permitted as a primary use in Industrial zones.

Yes. Roof mounted solar requires an electrical permit application along with two (2) sets of plans. Ground mounted solar requires an electrical permit application and a building permit application along with two (2) sets of plans with a site sketch. (Home owner is not required to sign the application.)

Solar installations located in a Historic District also require a Zoning Certificate of Appropriateness, which must be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission. For solar installations NOT located in a Historic District, zoning review will be completed concurrent to building/electrical permit review with no additional forms needed.

Please contact the Commissioner of Revenue 540-332-3829 to determine what type of license/registration is required. A valid Virginia State Contractor’s License is required.

Solar Panel Installation

Online Application

Fee per the fee schedule SCC 15.10.120

Required Documents: Site Sketch or Plat indicating all setbacks and structures on the property, Solar Panel Installation Plans

Estimated Processing Time: Ten (10) business days

Historic District Review – If the property is located in a historic district, a Certificate of Appropriateness is required before issuance of a Building Permit. Historic District Regulations

 All applicants are encouraged to process their request through the online citizen permitting portal. The applicant will fill in project details and upload their plans (pdf only) digitally.  The plans will be processed electronically.  If the submittal requires a re-submit of the plans due to more information being required, the applicant will be notified by email.  Once the permit has been approved, the applicant will receive the permit by email.  At that time, inspections can be requested through the online portal.  There are minimum inspections required as listed on the building permit. Please email permits@ci.staunton.va.us for any permit questions.

 Please note: When a solar panel installation requires a ground mount structure.  There is a separate building permit required for the ground structure.

Yes, permits can be issued by email upon request.  However, if physical plans submitted are larger than 11x17, plans will need to be picked up or mailed.

Yes. Please provide a return envelope large enough to fit the plans and include your desired address on the return envelope.

A hard copy of the plans is required and the plans must be stamped by the engineer.

NEM approval is not required.

Yes, fire setbacks are required. Fire setbacks can be found in the Virginia Building Code.

Yes. The city is located in risk category 2 for VULT 115MPH wind. Please see the Virginia Building Code for additional information.

No, we do not have a third-party for permitting or inspections.

Yes, a new permit application with the revisions and (2) sets of new plans is required. The plans will also need to go through the review process again.

Once payment is received for the permit application, reviews are completed within 6-10 business days.

You will need to call and schedule the inspection. Results are sent to the email provided on the application.

Electrical inspections are required roof mounted and building and electrical inspections are required for ground mounted. Interior access is required. Ground arrays may need footings.

A company employee, permit and stamped approved plans.