Clinton Township, MI Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

19, Solar Panel Standards, treats Solar Energy Systems (SESs) differently depending on the district and whether the array is roof-mounted or ground-mounted. In Commercial or Industrial Districts, a roof-mounted SES may not project more than ten feet above the finished roof, is exempt from the mechanical-equipment screening rules that otherwise apply to rooftop equipment, and must be integrated with the building's architectural character where possible; installing one on a nonconforming building is not treated as expanding the nonconformity. Ground-mounted systems in those districts are capped at 25% of the primary building's square footage, must sit in a side or rear yard at least ten feet from the property line measured at minimum tilt, and cannot exceed 16 feet in height measured to the top of the array at maximum tilt.

In Residential Districts, only roof-mounted systems are addressed, and the height allowance is tighter, no more than five feet above the finished roof, again with the nonconformity exemption preserved. 19(c) layers on process and maintenance rules: non-residential SES applications must include a full site plan, and roof-mounted applications must show horizontal and vertical elevation drawings with the system's location, height and dimensions. All systems must meet applicable Township, County, State and Federal building and utility-connection codes, must be installed and maintained per manufacturer specifications, must avoid glare or reflection onto neighboring properties, and must be removed within six months of the date the system stops producing energy on a continuous basis.