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☀️ Solar Energy/Expedited Solar Permitting

Expedited Solar Permitting: Kent vs Seattle

How do expedited solar permitting rules compare between Kent, WA and Seattle, WA?

Kent, WA

King County

No data available yet for Kent.

Seattle, WA

King County

Few Restrictions

Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections runs Solar Express, an over-the-counter same-day permit pathway for typical residential rooftop PV installations under SMC Title 22. Washington HB-1117 requires statewide expedited solar permitting.

View full Seattle rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactKentSeattle
Program-SDCI Solar Express
State law-RCW 64.40 / HB-1117
Eligibility cap-30 kW residential
Turnaround-Same day
SolarAPP+-Accepted

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Kent FAQ

No FAQs available.

Seattle FAQ

Does Seattle waive solar permit fees?

No, but fees are reduced. Expect $300-700 combined SDCI building/electrical plus a Seattle City Light interconnection review. Some federal/state tax credits offset costs separately.

Can my HOA block rooftop solar in Seattle?

Washington RCW 64.38.055 limits HOA solar restrictions to reasonable aesthetic conditions; outright bans are unenforceable. HOAs cannot reduce system performance significantly.

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