Margate, FL Solar Energy: Expedited Solar Permitting (2026)

Section 40.708 of the Margate Land Development Code, Rooftop Photovoltaic Solar Systems, opens with an intent clause. The provisions are meant to promote the health, safety and general welfare of citizens by removing barriers to installing alternative energy systems and to encourage rooftop photovoltaic installations on buildings and structures within municipal limits. The bracketed text in the printed code ties the section to the U.S. Department of Energy Rooftop Solar Challenge Agreement Number DE-EE0005701, known as Go SOLAR - Broward Rooftop Solar Challenge.

The expedited track has a firm boundary. The provisions and exceptions in the section are limited to web-based applications for pre-approved rooftop photovoltaic solar system installations that use the Go SOLAR Broward Rooftop Solar Challenge permitting process. A system outside that process goes through ordinary building permit review.

Subsection (B) removes zoning as an obstacle. Rooftop photovoltaic solar systems are deemed permitted accessory equipment to structures in all zoning districts. Nothing in the Code, including design standards or guidelines included or referenced in it, can be read to prohibit installing rooftop photovoltaic systems as accessory equipment to conforming and nonconforming buildings, and that includes buildings containing nonconforming uses. That means an older building that no longer meets current zoning can still take a rooftop array.

The section pairs the fast track with a few conditions. The permit application includes owner acknowledgments about association restrictions and about shading from neighboring development or vegetation, described under subsection (C). Solar access is a factor when the city has discretion over removing or relocating trees, and pruning, relocation or removal follows Chapter 23 of the Margate Code of Ordinances. The installed system must be properly maintained and kept free from hazards such as faulty wiring or loose fastenings.

The Margate Building Department issues the permit; no separate zoning approval step is created for a rooftop array that fits the section.