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Solar Energy

Richardson's Solar Energy: The Rules That Matter

By CityRuleLookup

Richardson maintains 116 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 Richardson falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

HOA Restrictions

Texas Property Code Section 202.010 (SB 398) bars Richardson HOAs from prohibiting solar panels, limiting them to reasonable aesthetic conditions.

Key details: Property Code: TX Property Code 202.010 (SB 398) preempts HOA solar bans. Location: Location cannot be forced to reduce output over 10%. Hoas: HOAs may require color-matched frames and flush mounting. Ground-Mount Front-Yard: Ground-mount front-yard restrictions allowed. Fees: Homeowners may recover attorney's fees if wrongly denied.

The rules around hoa restrictions in Richardson lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Panel Permits

Residential rooftop solar installations require a Richardson building and electrical permit, with structural review for mounting and NEC compliance for wiring.

Key details: Combined Building/electrical Permit: Combined building/electrical permit required. Structural Verification Of: Structural verification of roof loading mandatory. Nec Article: NEC Article 690 and IFC access pathways required. Licensed Texas Electrical: Licensed Texas electrical contractor must perform work. Oncor Interconnection Requires: Oncor interconnection requires final city inspection.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Richardson gives residents more flexibility on panel permits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Richardson gives residents more room on solar energy. 2 of the 2 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that Richardson can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, which shows when its source was last checked.