PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for solar panels in Washington, DC?

Short answer: Yes, a permit is required for solar panels in Washington, DC.

Last verified: · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Permit required Confidence: high

Yes. A roof-mounted solar system up to 15 kW at a one- or two-family home can get an Instant Permit online.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see DC DOB fees. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://dob.dc.gov/page/get-permit

Where to apply

DC Department of Buildings (DOB) online permits

Permitting authority: District of Columbia Department of Buildings (DOB). Covers the District of Columbia. Historic districts remove most exemptions. Work in public space (including many front yards and alleys) needs a separate DDOT public space permit. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“Install new roof mounted solar panel system (limited to no more than 15 Kilowatts)”

Source: https://dob.dc.gov/instantpermits

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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