The Illinois Solar Permit Standardization Act (110 ILCS 75) directs counties and municipalities to adopt streamlined permitting for residential rooftop solar under 25 kW. Cook County Building Code Ch. 32 and most suburban building departments use SolarAPP+ or similar tools to issue permits within 14 calendar days.
Illinois enacted the Solar Permit Standardization Act in 2023, codified at 110 ILCS 75, requiring local governments to adopt expedited procedures for residential rooftop PV systems up to 25 kW. The Act caps permit review at 14 calendar days for compliant applications, prohibits aesthetic conditions beyond code, and limits permit fees to actual administrative cost. Cook County Building Code Ch. 32 integrates the Act in unincorporated areas and accepts SolarAPP+ packages. Suburban municipalities have updated their processes accordingly; many issue same-day or next-day approvals through SolarAPP+. Commercial and ground-mount systems are not covered and follow standard permitting tracks.
Failing to issue or deny a complete residential solar permit within 14 calendar days, charging fees exceeding administrative cost, or imposing aesthetic conditions beyond code violates 110 ILCS 75. Applicants can appeal or pursue judicial review for delays.
See how Des Plaines's expedited solar permitting rules stack up against other locations.
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