Iron County, UT Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Iron County's table of uses in § 17.16.030 marks 'Accessory solar energy system, photovoltaic or hot water' with a 'P,' meaning it is permitted outright in every base zoning district: A-20, RA-20, RR-20, R-5, R-2, R-1, R-1/2, R4K, C, LI, I and I-A. A larger 'Accessory solar energy system, concentrated solar thermal' installation is rated 'C,' a conditional use requiring planning commission review, in ten of the twelve districts, and prohibited outright only in RR-20 and R4K. Iron County Code § 17.20.010 defines accessory solar energy systems as photovoltaic, concentrated solar thermal, or solar hot water devices that are accessory to, and incorporated into the development of, an authorized use of the property, and designed to reduce or meet on-site energy needs, so the exemption covers systems serving the property they sit on rather than utility-scale generation, which is separately regulated as a 'solar power plant' under Chapter 17.33.

Because the accessory system is a permitted use, the applicant proceeds straight to the building permit process: Iron County Code § 17.02.060 requires a validly issued building permit before any construction, and anyone who intends to dig, excavate, or otherwise disturb ground to install the system must first apply to the county building official. No zoning hearing, setback variance, or use permit is required unless the installation also triggers an accessory-structure standard elsewhere in the code, such as height or placement in a utility easement.