Berwyn, IL Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Table 1244.04-A of the Berwyn Code of Ordinances marks Solar Energy Collection System with a "B" in all ten zoning districts of the City of Berwyn, Cook County, Illinois. Under § 1244.04(B)(2), a "B" means the structure requires a building permit in accordance with Chapter 1443. Section 1244.04(C)(12) then sets the standards the installation has to meet, along with those of Chapter 1424 (City of Chicago Electrical Code), which Berwyn adopts for the electrical side of the work.

For roof-mounted systems, the code allows them in all zoning districts, which includes R-1 through R-4. Three design rules apply. The system cannot sit on a roof face that runs parallel to and faces the front lot line. Its maximum height is five feet above the overall height of the principal or accessory structure it is attached to. And when the system is visible from the street, excluding alleys, it must be mounted at the same angle as the roof or flush with it. In practice, panels on the street-facing slope of a bungalow are out, and panels on the rear or side slopes are in.

Ground-mounted systems are far more limited. They are allowed only in the C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, I and P Districts, in the interior side and rear yards, up to the height limit of the applicable zoning district, and they have to be screened from view of the street by building or landscape screening under § 1250.05(A). Because the ground-mount district list leaves out R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4, a backyard ground array is not on the residential menu.

The application goes to the Building Director under § 1443.01, with fees under Chapter 1444. Section 1444.02 charges an additional fee, and doubles the permit fee, when permit-required work starts before the permit issues.