Solar
As part of its RVAgreen 2050 initiative, the city of Richmond is seeking ways to enhance the amount of solar energy
in our community. By providing educational resources and information, we hope to reduce barriers and make it
faster, easier and less expensive for our community to go solar.
Solar Projects - Permits
Permit Applications
For residential or commercial solar projects, applicants should use the Electrical Permit Application.
If your permit application requires a plan submittal, you must use a thumb drive or CD. No paper submissions will be accepted.
Application Checklist
For helpful information, refer to the
Electrical Handout Checklist
and the Electrical Plan Review Requirements.
Permit Fees
Refer to the Permits Fee Schedule for the electrical permit fee. It is based on the cost of the solar PV system.
Submit Permit Application
To file the permit application, submit your information and payment in person at the City's Bureau of Permits and Inspections, City Hall, 900 E. Broad St. Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Call (804)646-4169 with questions.
Permit Status
Go to Permits Web Inquiry the City of Richmond's Online Permitting System to review
the status of your permit application. Please select "Plan" on the menu and search. If you are
looking for the status of an issued permit, please select "Permit" on the menu and search.
Inspection
After the project is installed, contact the city's Bureau of Permits and Inspections to schedule an
inspection (804)646-4169. Go to
Permits Web Inquiry
the City of Richmond's Online Permitting System
to review the status of your inspection. Inspection results are currently being posted as they
occur and are emailed to the permit holder the same day.
Solar Projects - Zoning
Permitted Accessory Use
In the City of Richmond, property owners are able to install solar panels as an accessory use on
the property in all zoning districts. Solar panels are considered an accessory use and relevant
setbacks will be imposed. The City of Richmond allows solar panels as accessory mechanical
applications (just like an A/C unit or something similar) in the side yard or on the roof.
Accessory structures cannot be in the front of a dwelling (in the front yard) and, for this reason,
would not be permitted at that location if it was the only viable location to access the sun. In
these situations, it is possible to seek special approval from City Council.
Advisory Determination: Accessory Uses Solar Panels
This Letter of Determination
clarifies that solar panels are an accessory use to a permitted primary use building or structure
and permitted by right in all zoning districts.
Accessory Use Definition
Per Zoning Sec. 30-1220, accessory use means a use of land or use of a structure or building for
purposes incident and subordinate to the principal use of the premises.
Old and Historic Districts
For property within the city's Old and Historic Districts, a
Certificate of Appropriateness
from the Commission of Architectural Review
is required for any exterior changes including the installation of solar panels that are visible
from a public place or a public right of way which includes streets, sidewalks, and alleys.
The Commission has guidelines for the installation of solar panels in Chapter 3 of its
Handbook and Design Review Guidelines for Old and Historic Districts of Richmond Viriginia
which emphasize locating the
panels to be minimally visible from the public right of way and installing the panels in a method
that is reversible and does not compromise the historic integrity of the structure or the historic
district. (See Chapter 3, Building Elements, Roofs)
Information about the guidelines, the application process, and how to determine if a property is
within a City Old and Historic District can be found on the Commission of Architectural Review website.
Special Use Permit Required
If solar panels are providing off-site power, they are not considered an accessory use. In that
situation, a special use permit is required. For more information about the special use permit
process, go to the
Department of Planning & Development Review Land Use Administration website.
Solar Potential
See the Solar Potential for Richmond
Find the Solar Potential for Your Home or Property
Estimate the performance of potential PV projects
Solar At Home
Solar At Work
- Learn more about solar options for your business
- Learn about solar financing options and incentives for your business
Solar In the Community
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Keeping Citizens Informed!