Davie, FL Solar Energy: Expedited Solar Permitting (2026)
Key Facts
- Zoning review
- Not required if attached
- Max panel height
- 5 ft above flat roof
- Exempted historic zones
- Western Theme, Thematic Historic
- Governing section
- Davie Code § 12-33(A)(14)
Summary
Davie exempts rooftop solar panels attached to an existing building from zoning review entirely, treating them as a permitted accessory use townwide: except within the Western Theme and Thematic Historic Districts.
Rooftop solar systems (including collector panels and all related equipment) are a permitted accessory to any otherwise legal building, provided that such system is designed primarily to provide power to the building to which it is attached. Except within the Western Theme District and the Thematic Historic District, rooftop solar systems shall not be considered in conflict with any town design standard or guideline and shall not require zoning review when proposed to be attached to an existing building.(b)A rooftop solar system shall not project above the roof line of a pitched roof or more than five (5) feet above a flat roof.(c)While cooperation among property owners is encouraged, town approval of a rooftop solar system does not limit the ability of neighboring properties to erect buildings, structures or landscaping which may create shadows or otherwise obstruct the function of a rooftop solar system.(B)Blasting:(1)Adoption of Broward County Blasting Ordinance. Broward County Ordinance No. 79-63, as adopted and amended, including any and all revisions made subsequent to this date, including policy statements, is hereby adopted as if set forth herein, and the whole of the ordinance and amendments or revisions are hereby declared to be a part of this Code of Ordinances.(2)Definitions. All terms used in this article, unless otherwise defined, shall be construed to be the common definition.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 75).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 12-33(A)(14) makes rooftop solar systems (panels and related equipment) a permitted accessory use on any otherwise-legal building townwide, and specifically exempts systems attached to an existing building from zoning review and from conflicting with any town design standard: a meaningful shortcut compared to the site-plan review most accessory structures face. The only carve-outs are the Western Theme District and the Thematic Historic District, where design review still applies. Panels may not project above a pitched roofline or more than five feet above a flat roof, and town approval doesn't limit a neighbor's right to build structures that shade the system.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the roof-height limit or skipping required design review in the exempted historic districts violates Davie's code; § 1-9 sets the Town's general penalty: up to $500, up to 60 days jail, or both, per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Davie require a zoning review for rooftop solar panels?
How high can rooftop solar panels project in Davie?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Davie
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Davie to another location·View the Florida solar energy overview
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