Solar Energy in King County, WA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 7 cities in King County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of King County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Panel Permits

Unincorporated King County waives a building permit for roof-mounted home solar panels weighing under 4 pounds per square foot and rising no more than 18 inches above the roof; bigger or ground-mounted systems still need one.

King County Solar Panel Permit Exemption

Few Restrictions

King County Code § 16.02.240

Roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panels for one- and two-family dwellings that have a total dead load not exceeding four pounds per square foot and are no more than 18 inches (457 mm) above the roof or highest roof point on which they are mounted. 20. Ground-mounted wind turbines for one and two-family dwellings for which any portion of the unit does not exceed twelve feet (3.7 m) in height. ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

HOA Restrictions

Washington law (RCW 64.38.055 and RCW 64.90.510) prohibits King County HOAs from banning solar panels. Associations may impose reasonable aesthetic rules that do not significantly reduce efficiency.

King County HOA Solar Restrictions

Few Restrictions

RCW 64.38.055

RCW 64.38.055 Governing documents — Solar panels. (Effective until January 1, 2028.) (1) The governing documents may not prohibit the installation of a solar energy panel by an owner or resident on the owner's or resident's property as long as the solar energy panel: (a) Meets applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by state and local permitting authorities; (b) If used ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗