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SetbackIQ

Solar panels in Washington, DC

Rooftop and ground-mounted solar need a DOB solar permit. In a historic district HPO reviews placement, and panels on rear slopes and flat roofs are routinely approved.

A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Washington before you build.

The details

  • DOB lists solar panels as a permit type. Apply through the Citizen Access Portal.High confidence
  • In a historic district or on a landmark, HPO reviews visible panels as part of the permit.Medium confidence
  • A ground-mounted array is a structure in your yard. Ask DOB how it counts under the accessory structure rules before you design it.Medium confidence

Check a project at your address

SetbackIQ reads the zoning, flood zone, historic district, and environmental maps for your lot. Then it applies these rules.

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Common questions

Where may I put solar panels on my own house or yard in Washington?
Rooftop and ground-mounted solar need a DOB solar permit. In a historic district HPO reviews placement, and panels on rear slopes and flat roofs are routinely approved.

Sources

  1. DC Department of Buildings, How to get a permit. Checked 2026-10-20
    Unless you are in a historic district, the following work does not require a building permit: ... Replacement in-kind of ... Private sidewalks and driveways; Patios ... Single garden storage shed that does not exceed 50 square feet (4.65 m2) in area and is …
  2. DC Office of Planning, Historic Preservation Office, permit review. Checked 2026-10-21
    [The Historic Preservation Review Board, staffed by HPO,] reviews construction affecting those properties [landmarks and properties in historic districts].
  3. DC Zoning Regulations, accessory buildings (11-D §§ 5000-5005, 11-E §§ 5000-5005), as amended by ZC Case 25-12. Checked 2026-10-20
    Accessory buildings: 22 ft and 2 stories; footprint the greater of 30% of the required rear yard or 650 sq ft (R-1, R-2) / 550 sq ft (R-3, RF); not in the required rear yard except a shed; 7.5 ft from the centerline of any alley; in R zones 3 ft from a side…

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.