Arvada, CO Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Section 5-1-4-4 of the Arvada Land Development Code (adopted under Ordinance No. 4905, effective August 19, 2025) governs renewable energy systems citywide. Photovoltaic arrays and solar water heaters may be roof-mounted on buildings and roofed structures in every zoning district, or installed directly on building facades, without a separate land-use permit. Ground-mounted arrays face two conditions: the installation must sit in a location and configuration that prevents glare interfering with a neighbor's use and enjoyment of their property, and once the highest point of the panels rises more than six feet above grade, the array must meet the same setbacks that apply to a detached accessory building in the underlying zoning district (commercial properties instead follow the primary-building setbacks).

Separately, Chapter 18 controls who may physically install the system. Section 18-74(a)(4) places solar panel installation in the Class IV-B builder's subcontractor license category, alongside trades such as masonry, framing, and irrigation systems; that license does not authorize electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work, so a licensed electrical contractor must still make the utility interconnection. Under Section 18-39(a)(3), it is unlawful to install any building system without first obtaining a permit issued by the building inspection division, with fees set by the schedule referenced in Section 18-42.

Owner-occupants performing their own labor on their own residence are not required to hold a contractor's license under Section 18-71(a)(1), though a permit is still mandatory. Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems fall under the same Section 5-1-4-4 but follow a separate dimensional table rather than the photovoltaic standards above.