Franklin Township, PA Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Accessory solar status
- By-right in all zoning districts
- Principal solar status
- Conditional use only, all districts
- Ground setback (principal)
- 75 feet from property line/right-of-way
- Steep slope limit
- No panels on slopes over 15%
- Inspection
- Biennial engineer's report for approved principal systems
Summary
Accessory rooftop or ground-mounted solar systems are a by-right use in every Franklin Township zoning district under Section 8-102, but a permit application still must show compliance with Township zoning, the PA Uniform Construction Code and manufacturer standards before construction starts. A principal, off-site-power solar facility instead needs Board of Supervisors conditional-use approval.
Except as otherwise provided in the Township Zoning Ordinance, systems shall be considered as an accessory use by right in all zoning districts. ... Prior to construction, a permit application shall be submitted for review and approval. The applicant shall show that all applicable manufacturer, Township (including zoning permits, PA Uniform Construction Code permits, etc., as adopted by the Township), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and any other applicable standards for the construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed system have been met. ... Permitted in all zoning districts only by conditional use in accordance with this section and § 27-2313. It shall be the applicant's burden to demonstrate satisfaction to the Board of Supervisors that all requirements of § 27-2313 have been met.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 8, Part 1 of the Franklin Township Code, added by Ordinance 2025-01 on February 19, 2025, splits solar regulation into two tracks. A; a property owner who cannot meet a specific design condition, or who proposes novel technology, can ask the Board of Supervisors for a waiver, granted by resolution at the Board's sole discretion. D requires a permit application demonstrating that the system meets applicable manufacturer standards, Township requirements including zoning permits and PA Uniform Construction Code permits, Commonwealth standards, and, where the system may feed power back to the grid, written utility approval of the interconnection.
Roof-mounted arrays can't extend past the roof edge or above a peaked roof's ridgeline; ground-mounted arrays must meet the underlying district's setbacks and height limits, stay off slopes over 15%, and avoid woodland disturbance without replacing the trees removed. A permits it in every district only by conditional use under Section 27-2313, with the applicant bearing the burden of proving compliance to the Board of Supervisors, plus land development and stormwater management plan approval, a 75-foot minimum setback from every property line and road right-of-way, and a biennial engineer's inspection report once approved.
Violations & Fines
Franklin Township enforces solar standards through its ordinary zoning and UCC permitting channels: building or operating a system without the required zoning permit, UCC permit, or Board of Supervisors conditional-use approval exposes the property owner to the Township's standard zoning enforcement and Uniform Construction Code penalty provisions. For a principal-use facility, Section 8-102.2.A also makes every conditional-use condition binding on later owners, recorded verbatim against the property, so a purchaser inherits the compliance obligations along with the land.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for rooftop solar panels in Franklin Township?
Can I build a large solar farm to sell power off-site?
What if my solar project can't meet every design standard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin Township
Compare Franklin Township to another location·View the Pennsylvania solar energy overview
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