Haverhill, MA Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Haverhill's Section 7.8, Solar Energy Systems, sets the permit path based on a system's scale and mounting, and Section 255-7.8.3 lays the tiers out directly. Large-scale ground-mounted solar energy systems are allowed in any zoning district except the Waterfront District, where they are prohibited outright, but only after the applicant obtains a special permit from the City Council acting as the Special Permit Granting Authority. Medium-scale ground-mounted systems face the same Waterfront District prohibition but need only development review and approval under Section 255-10.1.4 rather than a special permit.

Large-scale and medium-scale roof-mounted systems are allowed as of right in every district, though they still must go through development review under Section 255-10.1.4. City-owned or City-operated systems are likewise allowed as of right, subject to the same development-review process. Small-scale roof-mounted systems that are accessory to an existing residential use sit outside this section entirely: they need only a standard building permit and must otherwise comply with the rest of the zoning chapter. For any large-scale ground-mounted system, Section 255-7.8.4 adds that construction and operation must meet all applicable local, state, and federal requirements, that a building permit is required before construction begins, and that the application fee must cover both the building permit and the special permit.

Section 255-7.8.5 layers on detailed submission requirements for large-scale, medium-scale, and City-owned systems, including engineer-stamped plans, an electrical diagram, and documentation of major system components.