Montgomery County, MD Solar Energy: Expedited Solar Permitting (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- single-family detached homes
- System type
- rooftop solar photovoltaic
- Fee method
- set by executive regulation
- Agency
- Dept. of Permitting Services
Summary
Montgomery County requires DPS to run a fast-track review for rooftop solar permits on single-family homes that meet standardized requirements.
The Department must adopt a fast track review process for each permit to install a rooftop solar photovoltaic system for a single family detached home that meets standardized requirements adopted by the Department. The Department must set the application fee by Executive Regulation adopted under Method 2 for each permit to install a rooftop solar photovoltaic system for a single family detached home that meets standardized requirements adopted by the Department. (2014_L.M.C.,_ch._10, § 1.)
Sec. 8-24D. Expedited review process for an electric vehicle charging station. The Department must adopt a fast track review process for each permit to install an electric vehicle charging station at a single family detached home that meets standardized requirements adopted by the Department. The Department must set the application fee by Executive Regulation adopted under Method 2 for each permit to install an electric vehicle charging station at a single family detached home that meets standardized requirements adopted by the Department. (2014_L.M.C.,_ch._11, § 1.)
Sec. 8-25. Permits.
(a) Action on application. The Director must examine or cause to be examined each application for a building permit or an amendment to a permit within a reasonable time after the application is filed. If the application or the plans do not conform to all requirements of this Chapter, the Director must reject the application in writing and specify the reasons for rejecting it. If
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under County Code § 8-24C, the Department of Permitting Services must adopt a fast-track review process for every permit to install a rooftop solar photovoltaic system on a single-family detached home, as long as the installation meets DPS's standardized requirements. DPS also sets the application fee for these expedited permits by executive regulation adopted under Method 2, rather than through the standard permit fee schedule. The mandate applies county-wide, including inside incorporated municipalities that fall under DPS building permitting; Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Takoma Park issue their own building permits under their own codes and are not covered by this section.
Violations & Fines
No local penalty attaches to this section itself: § 8-24C states the criminal penalties under § 8-22 do not apply to it, since it is a process mandate on the Department, not a duty on homeowners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside Rockville or Gaithersburg?
Is there a separate criminal penalty for skipping the fast-track process?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Maryland solar energy overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.