Solar Energy in St. Louis County, MN (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated St. Louis County, Minnesota.
Verified from official government sources
Panel Permits
A ground-mount solar array larger than 160 square feet in unincorporated St. Louis County needs a land use permit and must meet the same setback, height and impervious-surface limits as any accessory structure in its zone district, per Zoning Ordinance 62 Section 6.8.
Solar Panel Permits in St. Louis County
Some RestrictionsSt. Louis County Zoning Ordinance 62, Art. VI § 6.8.B
B. Permit Required: Ground-mount solar energy systems occupying more than 160 square feet of ground area require a land use permit and are subject to the accessory structure standards for the district in which it is located, including setback, height, and impervious surface coverage limits. Setback requirements may be waived by the Director if it is verified that the proposed location is the on...
Expedited Solar Permitting
St. Louis County skips the permit process entirely for small residential solar installations. A ground-mount system of 160 square feet or less needs no land use permit at all under Zoning Ordinance 62 Section 6.8.A, provided it stays within the district's height limit and serves the property it sits on.
No-Permit Solar Systems in St. Louis County
Light RestrictionsSt. Louis County Zoning Ordinance 62, Art. VI § 6.8.A
Section 6.8 Solar Energy System Administrative Standards “V” A. No Permit Required: No permit shall be required for residential solar energy systems if the following standards are met: 1. Ground-mount solar energy systems occupying 160 square feet or less of ground area. 2. Height limit: Any ground-mount or roof-mounted solar energy system shall not exceed the maximum pr...
All St. Louis County ordinances
See every category we cover for St. Louis County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
St. Louis County Ordinance Hub →