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Washington County, OR Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

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Verified 1 month ago|Source: Portland Solar Permits →

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Key Facts

State Code: Oregon Solar Specialty Code
County Code: CDC 427 solar access
Fire Setback: OFC 1205 pathways
Submittal: ProjectDox ePermitting

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Washington County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Summary

Washington County requires permits for residential solar installations under the Oregon Solar Installation Specialty Code. Most systems qualify for prescriptive (expedited) solar permits via the county's Building Services division and ePermitting.

Full Breakdown

Solar PV installations in unincorporated Washington County require a structural/prescriptive solar permit and a separate electrical permit through Building and Development Application Services (BDAS). Oregon uses the 2017 Oregon Solar Installation Specialty Code and prescriptive path under OAR 918-311. Most standard rooftop systems under the prescriptive limits (panel weight, roof pitch, wind/snow loads) do not require stamped engineering. Plans submit through ProjectDox. Fire setbacks follow Oregon Fire Code Section 1205: 18-inch pathways along roof ridges and 36-inch access for firefighters on hip roofs. Net metering is provided by PGE and Portland General Electric under Oregon Public Utility Commission rules. CDC 427 (Solar Access Standards) preserves solar access for lots in new subdivisions. Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Tigard each issue permits under the same statewide Oregon Solar Specialty Code.

Violations & Fines

Installation without permit: stop-work order, retroactive permit with investigation fee (typically 2x permit fee). Failed electrical inspection: correction notice. Utility interconnection missing: system must remain off-grid until PGE/PacifiCorp completes PTO.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who enforces panel permits rules in Washington County?

Washington County's code enforcement division is responsible for solar energy ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the Washington County government website or by calling the main municipal line.

What are typical penalties for violating panel permits rules?

Most Washington County solar energy violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult Washington County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.

How does Washington County compare?

See how Washington County's panel permits rules stack up against other locations.

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Washington County, OR Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

Related Washington County Ordinances

Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours

Parking Rules: EV Charging

Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits

Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles

Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls

Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions

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