2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Solar photovoltaic systems in Fairfax County require building and electrical permits under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, obtained through Land Development Services via the PLUS portal. Residential rooftop solar is by-right in all residential zoning districts. The Virginia Solar Freedom Act (VA Code §67-701) limits HOA ability to prohibit solar absent specific recorded covenants.
Under the Virginia Solar Freedom Act (VA Code §67-701, effective July 2020), HOAs in Fairfax County may not prohibit residential solar installations unless such a prohibition is expressly recorded in the community's declaration. HOAs may adopt reasonable aesthetic restrictions regarding placement but cannot impose rules that significantly reduce system efficiency or increase cost substantially.
3 cities in Fairfax County have their own solar energy rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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