How Franklin Handles Solar Energy: A Practical Guide

Franklin maintains 104 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with solar energy. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Franklin falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

HOA Restrictions

Tennessee does NOT have a strong statewide solar-rights statute that overrides HOA restrictions — a sharp contrast with Florida, California, Texas, Colorado, and Arizona. The Tennessee Solar Access Law of 1979 (T.C.A. 66-9-201 et seq.) only authorizes VOLUNTARY solar easements between adjoining property owners; it does NOT preempt HOA covenants. HOAs in Franklin can lawfully restrict, condition, or prohibit residential solar PV through their recorded Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) and architectural review committee approvals. Franklin homeowners should read CC&Rs and ARC guidelines BEFORE signing a solar contract.

Key details: Statewide HOA Solar Override: NONE — Tennessee has not enacted one. Solar Easements: Voluntary only under T.C.A. 66-9-201 et seq.. HOA Authority: Full CC&R + ARC enforceability. Recent Legislation: TN HB/SB iterations introduced — none enacted as of 2026. HOA Entity Statute: TN Nonprofit Corp Act (T.C.A. Title 48 Ch. 51 et seq.).

If an HOA denies a solar installation, the Franklin homeowner's remedies are limited to those provided by the CC&Rs themselves (architectural appeal, mediation), the corporate procedures of the HOA under the Tennessee Nonprofit Corporation Act (T.C.A. Title 48 Chapter 51 et seq.), and the case-by-case fairness review available in Tennessee courts. Installing solar in defiance of HOA approval can result in injunction, lien for fines, and forced removal at the homeowner's expense — all enforceable in Williamson County Chancery or Circuit Court. Note that even without HOA approval, the City of Franklin will still issue the building/electrical permit if the installation meets the Tennessee-adopted building code — the city does not enforce private covenants. But your utility (Middle Tennessee Electric or another TVA distributor) may require an HOA acknowledgment letter for interconnection in some cases.

This is one of the stricter rules in Franklin's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Panel Permits

Residential rooftop and small ground-mount solar installations in Franklin require a building (and electrical) permit through Building & Neighborhood Services, applying the statewide 2018 International Residential Code and 2017 NEC adopted by Tennessee, plus city amendments under Title 12. Tennessee has NO statewide residential 'solar bill of rights' that preempts HOA restrictions, so private deed restrictions and HOA covenants can still limit panel installation. Larger 'solar energy facilities' (utility-scale) are now regulated under 2024 TN HB 0149 (Public Chapter 936) — but those rules exempt local jurisdictions with their own solar regulations adopted by July 1, 2025 and do NOT apply to small residential systems.

Key details: Code Title: Franklin Municipal Code Title 12 (Building, Utility, Etc. Codes). Permit Issuer: Building & Neighborhood Services (615-794-7012). Permits Required: Building + Electrical (Mechanical if applicable). Residential Code: Tennessee Residential Code (2018 IRC with state amendments). Electrical Code: 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC).

Installing solar PV without a building / electrical permit is a Title 12 violation: stop-work order from Franklin BNS, possible double permit fee, and citations through Franklin Municipal Court. Contractor license violations (work > $25,000 without TN BLC license) are state-level violations under TCA §62-6-103.

The Bottom Line

Franklin's solar energy rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Franklin is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Franklin's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.