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NREL (INFRA-COMPASS), CC BY 4.0

Local solar & wind siting rules

Zoning rules for solar and wind projects in about 930 counties and 1,400 towns, 2025: bans and moratoriums, which zones allow them, setbacks, size and height limits, farmland rules, decommissioning — each with the ordinance source. Collected with AI help; check the source.

Published by NREL (INFRA-COMPASS), CC BY 4.0 Finest detail county Tables 1
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Rules by county, town, and state Sample of 25 rows out of about 22,846 · 18 columns
idtechlevelstatecountysubdivisionjurisdiction_typegeoidcounty_geoidfeaturevalue_textvalue_numunitssummarysetback_addersectionordinance_yearsource_url
47557solarcountyArizonaApacheNo dataCounty0400104001Roads1.11.1structure-height-multiplierIndividual solar panels shall be set back from any public or publicly maintained roadway (as measured to the nearest edge of the right-of-way) at least 1.1 times (110%) the total tower height. Additionally, a minimum setback as determined by local EMS and local fire district will be required on all commercial solar projects.No dataSection 442. Setbacks.No datahttps://www.apachecountyaz.gov/accnt_591117/site_591118/Documents/Utility-Renewable-Energy-Systems.pdf
47558solarcountyArizonaApacheNo dataCounty0400104001DecommissioningNo dataNo dataNo dataSection 440. Termination and Decommissioning requires that if the applicant ceases operation or does not complete construction, the site must be restored according to a plan approved by Apache County Board of Supervisors. The plan must ensure the site is restored to a useful, non-hazardous condition without significant delay, including removal of aboveground and underground equipment and structures to a depth of at least three feet below grade (unless not a hazard or interference), restoration of surface grade and soil, removal of graveled areas and access roads, re-vegetation with native seed mixes, and protection of public health, safety, environment, and natural resources. The applicant must submit a bond before construction in a form and amount satisfactory to Apache County to assure funds for restoration if the operator fails to restore the site. The bond amount is adjusted annually for inflation and cannot be revoked or reduced before site restoration is complete. The bond status must be reported annually to the Apache Community Development Department.No dataSection 440. Termination and DecommissioningNo datahttps://www.apachecountyaz.gov/accnt_591117/site_591118/Documents/Utility-Renewable-Energy-Systems.pdf
47559solarcountyArizonaApacheNo dataCounty0400104001GlareNo dataNo dataNo dataSection 439, subsection T states: 'Concentrated reflections or glare for solar panels and wind turbines shall be constructed to minimize glare at occupied structures, recreation areas, roads, highways or airport flight landing or takeoff areas.' This applies to utility-scale solar energy projects defined as having 'actual or planned ability to generate at least one megawatt' and 'generate electricity for off-site customers tied into the local electrical grid' (Section 436 and 437). No other specific glare restriction options or conditions are provided.No dataSection 439. General development standards for Renewable Energy Generation facilitiesNo datahttps://www.apachecountyaz.gov/accnt_591117/site_591118/Documents/Utility-Renewable-Energy-Systems.pdf
47560solarcountyArizonaApacheNo dataCounty0400104001Special Use Districts['A-General Zone (A-General)', 'Industrial Zone']No dataNo dataRenewable Energy Generation facilities are allowed only in the A-General and Industrial Zones subject to securing a CUP (Conditional Use Permit) and to the applicable site development standards set forth herein. The CUP application shall comply with Article 11 of the Apache County Zoning Ordinance.No dataSection 438. Zones in which allowed / CUP requiredNo datahttps://www.apachecountyaz.gov/accnt_591117/site_591118/Documents/Utility-Renewable-Energy-Systems.pdf
47561solarcountyArizonaApacheNo dataCounty0400104001Prohibited Use Districts['All districts except A-General and Industrial']No dataNo dataRenewable Energy Generation facilities are allowed only in the A-General and Industrial Zones subject to securing a CUP and to the applicable site development standards set forth herein. The CUP application shall comply with Article 11 of the Apache County Zoning Ordinance. By implication, utility-scale solar energy systems are prohibited in all other zones not listed.No dataSection 438. Zones in which allowed / CUP requiredNo datahttps://www.apachecountyaz.gov/accnt_591117/site_591118/Documents/Utility-Renewable-Energy-Systems.pdf
47562solarcountyArizonaCochiseNo dataCounty0400304003Property Line (Non-Participating)11.0structure-height-multiplierSetbacks from all property boundaries for Solar Energy Power Plants shall be, at minimum, twice the minimum setback requirement for the respective Zoning District or shall equal the height of the tallest structure, whichever is greater. Setback distance should be measured from the edge of the solar energy system array, excluding security fencing, screening, or berm.No data1824.03 Design Standards2023https://media.bullseyeplus.com/Documents/Listings/1096168/02038-22011-2023090823322879180.pdf
47563solarcountyArizonaCochiseNo dataCounty0400304003Roads11.0structure-height-multiplierSetbacks from all property boundaries and road travel ways for Solar Energy Power Plants shall be, at minimum, twice the minimum setback requirement for the respective Zoning District or shall equal the height of the tallest structure, whichever is greater. Setback distance should be measured from the edge of the solar energy system array, excluding security fencing, screening, or berm.No data1824.03 Design Standards2023https://media.bullseyeplus.com/Documents/Listings/1096168/02038-22011-2023090823322879180.pdf
47564solarcountyArizonaCochiseNo dataCounty0400304003Maximum Height2020.0feetSection 1824.03(A) states: 'Ground or pole-mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height when oriented at maximum tilt. Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height from roof surface, when oriented at maximum tilt.' The most restrictive maximum height for Solar Energy Power Plants is 20 feet for ground or pole-mounted systems. Units are feet.No data1824.03 Design Standards2023https://media.bullseyeplus.com/Documents/Listings/1096168/02038-22011-2023090823322879180.pdf
47565solarcountyArizonaCochiseNo dataCounty0400304003DecommissioningNo dataNo dataNo dataAll applications for a Solar Energy Power Plant must include a Decommissioning Plan, acceptable to the County, to ensure that all system components are properly decommissioned upon the end of their operational life, cessation of use, or determination of abandonment. The Decommissioning Plan shall state how the facility will be decommissioned and will include a Professional Engineer's estimated cost of decommissioning, the financial resources to be used to accomplish decommissioning, and the financial assurances necessary to fund the decommissioning. Removal of the system shall include, but not be strictly limited to, all above ground components, foundations and buried project components to a depth of thirty-six (36) inches, and buried collection lines to a depth of thirty-six (36) inches, with removal activities to be completed within one year of decommissioning initiation unless otherwise approved by the County. Restoration of each site shall include minimizing ground disturbance, restoring original ground contours if possible, re-establishing vegetation with native seed mix, restoring roads, and removal and remediation of any hazardous materials. The County shall have the right of entry to effect or complete decommissioning pursuant to the Decommissioning Plan. The owner/operator shall continuously maintain financial assurance in the amount of the decommissioning costs, such as a performance bond, surety bond, trust instrument, cash, escrow, or irrevocable letter of credit, approved by the County, before construction commencement and updated at no more than five-year intervals. The financial assurance may also be used by the County for costs of correcting non-compliance with these regulations or directives of the County.No data1824.06 Decommissioning and Site Restoration2023https://media.bullseyeplus.com/Documents/Listings/1096168/02038-22011-2023090823322879180.pdf
47566solarcountyArizonaCochiseNo dataCounty0400304003FencingNo dataNo dataNo dataSection 1824.03.G states: 'Fencing: Perimeter fencing for the site shall incorporate wildlife-friendly fencing standards specific to the site to the greatest extent possible.' This fencing requirement applies explicitly to Solar Energy Power Plants. Other site development standards for Solar Energy Power Plants include height limits (not to exceed twenty (20) feet for ground or pole-mounted systems), setbacks (minimum twice the zoning district setback or height of tallest structure), no minimum distance between structures, exemptions from lot coverage if vegetated groundcover is maintained, undergrounding of on-site utility lines to the maximum extent feasible, and other operational and decommissioning requirements.No data1824.03 Design Standards2023https://media.bullseyeplus.com/Documents/Listings/1096168/02038-22011-2023090823322879180.pdf
47567solarcountyArizonaCochiseNo dataCounty0400304003ScreeningNo dataNo dataNo dataSection 1824.03.E requires that "Ground around and under solar panels and in project site buffer areas shall be planted, established, and maintained for the life of the solar project with a vegetated perennial ground cover." Section 1824.03.B states that "Setbacks from all property boundaries and road travel ways for Solar Energy Power Plants shall be, at minimum, twice the minimum setback requirement for the respective Zoning District or shall equal the height of the tallest structure, whichever is greater." It also notes that "Setback distance should be measured from the edge of the solar energy system array, excluding security fencing, screening, or berm," implying screening is recognized but without detailed requirements.No data1824.03 Design Standards2023https://media.bullseyeplus.com/Documents/Listings/1096168/02038-22011-2023090823322879180.pdf
47568solarcountyArizonaCochiseNo dataCounty0400304003SoilNo dataNo dataNo dataSection 1824.03 Design Standards requires that "Ground-mounted systems shall be exempt from lot coverage or impervious surface standards if the soil under the collector is maintained with perennial vegetated groundcover and not compacted." It also mandates that "Ground around and under solar panels and in project site buffer areas shall be planted, established, and maintained for the life of the solar project with a vegetated perennial ground cover." Section 1824.06 Decommissioning and Site Restoration requires that "Disturbed on site soils and vegetation will be reasonably restored and re-established using native seed mix and with proper soil nutrients (fertilizer, lime and other amendments) to provide and sustain growth or in coordination with the landowner to allow desired vegetation to be planted," and that "Ground disturbance must be minimized to the extent practical, and the site restored to its original ground contours if possible."No data1824 SOLAR ENERGY POWER PLANTS2023https://media.bullseyeplus.com/Documents/Listings/1096168/02038-22011-2023090823322879180.pdf
47569solarcountyArizonaCochiseNo dataCounty0400304003Special Use Districts['GB: General Business Zoning District', 'RU: Rural Zoning District']No dataNo dataSolar Energy Power Plants shall be allowed as a Permitted Use in LI and HI and may be permitted in RU and GB Zoning Districts by Special Use Authorization only. They may also be approved as part of a PD or Master Development Plan. Section 1205 states that Solar Energy Power Plants require a Special Use Authorization from the Planning Commission in the GB Zoning Districts, subject to the procedures and review criteria set forth in Article 17. Other districts: LI and HI permit Solar Energy Power Plants as principal permitted uses; accessory Solar Energy Systems are permitted in multiple districts but do not apply to large-scale plants.No data1824 SOLAR ENERGY POWER PLANTS2023https://media.bullseyeplus.com/Documents/Listings/1096168/02038-22011-2023090823322879180.pdf
47570solarcountyArizonaMohaveNo dataCounty0401504015Structures (Non-Participating)100100.0feetNo solar panels, wind turbines, or any other generating unit, or battery storage shall be located within 100’ of a neighboring residentially zoned property. This setback applies to utility-scale solar energy systems defined as off-site use generation projects intended to be sold and used at a different location.No dataSection 37.U ENERGY PROJECTS - GENERAL PROVISIONSNo datahttps://www.mohave.gov/media/ll1dxipp/mohave-county-zoning-ordinance.pdf
47571solarcountyArizonaMohaveNo dataCounty0401504015Property Line (Non-Participating)100100.0feetNo solar panels, wind turbines, or any other generating unit, or battery storage shall be located within 100’ of a neighboring residentially zoned property. Wind turbines may exceed the maximum building height for the zone but must be placed on the property at a location more than 110% of the total height of the machine including the blade from the property line. Except as noted below, all structures and generating units shall meet the height and setback requirements as required in Section 35.No dataSection 37.U ENERGY PROJECTS - GENERAL PROVISIONSNo datahttps://www.mohave.gov/media/ll1dxipp/mohave-county-zoning-ordinance.pdf
47572solarcountyArizonaMohaveNo dataCounty0401504015DecommissioningNo dataNo dataNo dataOff-site use generation projects (renewable electricity production intended to be sold and used at a different location) may be constructed in the M-2, M-X, and E zones. A Decommissioning Plan is required at the time of site plan review, which shall include: 1) The anticipated life of the project; 2) The estimated decommissioning costs less salvage value in current dollars; 3) The method of ensuring that funds will be available for the decommissioning and restoration; 4) The anticipated manner in which the project will be decommissioned, and the site restored. If a project is abandoned for more than twelve (12) consecutive months, the project shall be removed, and the site restored in accordance with the decommissioning plan. Other options include on-site use generation systems serving a single property or facility, which may be constructed in any zone with an approved Building Permit subject to height and setback limitations, or with a Special Use Permit if not included in the basic provisions.No dataSection 37.U ENERGY PROJECTSNo datahttps://www.mohave.gov/media/ll1dxipp/mohave-county-zoning-ordinance.pdf
47573solarcountyArizonaMohaveNo dataCounty0401504015Primary Use Districts['M-2 (General Manufacturing) zone', 'M-X (Heavy Manufacturing) zone', 'E (Energy Overlay) zone']No dataNo dataOff-site use generation projects may be constructed: a. In the M-2 (General Manufacturing) zone and M-X (Heavy Manufacturing) zone. Properties that previously have received the E (Energy Overlay) zone will allow for the type of project for which they were originally approved. b. In an E (Energy Overlay) zone. On-site use generation systems that serve a single property or facility may be constructed in any zone with an approved Building Permit subject to height and location restrictions, but other on-site use generation systems require a Special Use Permit. Liquid hydrogen production is only allowed in the M-X zone with a Special Use Permit.No dataSection 37.U ENERGY PROJECTSNo datahttps://www.mohave.gov/media/ll1dxipp/mohave-county-zoning-ordinance.pdf
47574solarcountyArizonaMohaveNo dataCounty0401504015Special Use Districts['M-X (Heavy Manufacturing) zone']No dataNo dataOff-site use generation projects may be constructed in the M-2 (General Manufacturing) zone and M-X (Heavy Manufacturing) zone, and in an E (Energy Overlay) zone. Liquid hydrogen production is only allowed in the M-X zone with a Special Use Permit, per Section 34.D.2 and 34.D.3. The text explicitly states that liquid hydrogen production, a type of energy project, requires a Special Use Permit in the M-X zone, indicating a special use or conditional approval process applies at least for some energy projects in that district. No special use permit requirement is mentioned for off-site use generation projects in the M-2 zone or E zone. On-site use generation systems not included in certain conditions may be constructed after approval of a Special Use Permit, but on-site systems are not considered utility-scale off-site systems.No dataSection 37.U ENERGY PROJECTSNo datahttps://www.mohave.gov/media/ll1dxipp/mohave-county-zoning-ordinance.pdf
47575solarcountyArizonaNavajoNo dataCounty0401704017ScreeningNo dataNo dataNo dataSolar Energy Generation Facilities that adjoin residential development shall be required to provide adequate screening through the use of fences, walls, landscaping, or other structures deemed adequate by Planning and Development Services. Additionally, setbacks and building height standards apply, with possible reductions if the project shares a common property line with another approved facility or if there is irrevocable written consent from an affected property owner.No dataSection 1203 – Solar Energy Generation FacilitiesNo datahttps://www.navajocountyaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5201/Article-12---Renewable-Energy
47576solarcountyArizonaNavajoNo dataCounty0401704017Special Use Districts['A-General', 'Rural', 'Industrial']No dataNo dataRenewable Energy Generation facilities are allowed only in the A-General, Rural, and Industrial Zoning Districts, subject to either securing a Special Use Permit, Development Agreement, or both, and to the applicable site development standards set forth herein.No dataArticle 12 – Renewable Energy, Section 1201 – Renewable Energy Generation FacilitiesNo datahttps://www.navajocountyaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5201/Article-12---Renewable-Energy
47577solarcountyArizonaNavajoNo dataCounty0401704017Prohibited Use DistrictsNo dataNo dataNo dataRenewable Energy Generation facilities are allowed only in the A-General, Rural, and Industrial Zoning Districts, subject to either securing a Special Use Permit, Development Agreement, or both. The text states that such facilities are allowed only in these districts, implying they are not permitted in any other zoning districts. No other district names or abbreviations where utility-scale solar energy systems are prohibited are explicitly mentioned.No dataArticle 12 – Renewable Energy, Section 1201 – Renewable Energy Generation FacilitiesNo datahttps://www.navajocountyaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5201/Article-12---Renewable-Energy
47578solarcountyArizonaPimaNo dataCounty0401904019Minimum Lot Size22.0acresThe ordinance specifies 'a minimum site area of two acres for the SH zone' for Utility Scale Renewable Energy Systems. Other zones do not have an explicitly stated minimum site area. This minimum site area applies specifically to the suburban homestead zone (SH).No dataQ. Utility Scale Renewable Energy SystemNo datahttps://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/pimacounty/latest/pimacounty_az/0-0-0-15840
47579solarcountyArizonaPimaNo dataCounty0401904019DecommissioningNo dataNo dataNo dataAny renewable energy system which becomes inoperable shall at the owner's expense be made operational or shall be removed from the property within one year of the date system became inoperable. An appropriate reclamation and closure plan, including recycling, subject to the planning director's approval shall be required prior to removal. This requirement applies to utility scale solar energy systems defined as systems that generate energy primarily intended for off-site consumption; selling energy produced is the primary purpose of the system. Utility scale solar energy systems are considered primary uses and are permitted in various zones subject to development standards, conditional use permits, and general requirements including fencing, color palette, glare control, warning signs, and site maintenance. Exceptions to setback requirements and additional special conditions may be applied as deemed necessary.No dataQ. Utility Scale Renewable Energy SystemNo datahttps://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/pimacounty/latest/pimacounty_az/0-0-0-15840
47580solarcountyArizonaPimaNo dataCounty0401904019GlareNo dataNo dataNo dataSection 18.07.030(Q)(4)(c) states: "Solar energy systems shall be located such that prolonged and/or substantial concentrated solar radiation or glare shall not be directed onto abutting properties or roadways." This is part of the general requirements for all utility scale solar energy systems. The ordinance applies to utility scale solar energy systems defined as those "that generate energy primarily intended for off-site consumption; selling energy produced is the primary purpose of the system." The systems are permitted in various zones subject to requirements including approved solar site development plans, conditional use permits depending on zone and conservation land categories, adherence to performance standards, and equivalent development standards for main structures. Other general requirements include fencing, color palette for buildings, warning signs, maintenance, and removal of inoperable systems. Exceptions to setback requirements and use of barbed wire on fences are also addressed.No dataQ. Utility Scale Renewable Energy SystemNo datahttps://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/pimacounty/latest/pimacounty_az/0-0-0-15840
47581solarcountyArizonaPimaNo dataCounty0401904019FencingNo dataNo dataNo dataThe minimum required fencing for a ground-mounted utility scale solar energy system is a perimeter chain link fence (unless Section 18.49.040(G) applies, in which case another type of fencing/wall is required) meeting minimum setback requirements. The hearing administrator may recommend additional or alternative specific types of fencing, screening, and/or walls appropriate to the site and surrounding land use(s) and not otherwise prohibited by this title. Barbed wire may be used on fences or walls for security purposes provided the barbed wire is greater than six feet above ground level and does not count towards the maximum fence or wall height.No dataQ. Utility Scale Renewable Energy SystemNo datahttps://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/pimacounty/latest/pimacounty_az/0-0-0-15840

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