Blue Earth County, MN Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

In unincorporated Blue Earth County, solar installations are governed by Sec. 24-334 of the county zoning code. Roof-mounted systems generally need no construction permit unless otherwise noted, but any small solar energy system still requires a written land use development application to the zoning administrator when a permit is triggered, using a county-furnished form. The application must include an existing-conditions site plan (per the site plan definition in Sec. 24-3, plus delineated wetland boundaries when applicable) and a proposed-conditions site plan showing the location and spacing of solar arrays, access roads, electric line routing to the connection point, any new electrical equipment beyond the existing building or substation, and erosion and sediment control measures required under Sec.

24-304. Ground-mounted and pole-mounted units cannot exceed 20 feet in height at maximum design tilt and, in the rural residence and rural townsite districts, the collector surface cannot exceed 50 percent of the principal structure's building footprint; a vegetated ground cover must be maintained around the array except at foundations, access roads and accessory buildings. Roof-mounted panels cannot exceed the district's maximum building height or extend more than four feet above the existing roofline in rural residence and rural townsite districts, cannot project beyond the structure's exterior perimeter (except a permitted awning of 120 square feet or larger, which does need a construction permit), and cannot cover more than 80 percent of a south-facing or flat roof.

Ground-mounted and pole-mounted systems are flatly prohibited within the shoreland district, and panels cannot be sited nearer the front lot line than the principal building in rural residence and rural townsite districts. Grid-tied photovoltaic systems need written documentation to the zoning administrator that the utility is aware of the interconnection before installation, and components must carry a UL listing or equivalent third-party certification.