Louisville Metro requires a building and electrical permit for residential rooftop solar installations under the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code and 2017 NEC, with LG&E net metering available under KRS 278.465–466 and Kentucky PSC Order in Case No. 2020-00350.
Solar PV installations in Jefferson County require a building permit (structural/rooftop attachment review) and a separate electrical permit through Louisville Metro Construction Review, under the 2018 Kentucky Residential Code (adopted by 815 KAR 7:120) and the 2017 National Electrical Code. Plans must show module layout, roof structural capacity, inverter specifications, rapid-shutdown compliance (NEC 690.12), and required fire access pathways (typically a 3-foot clear path along ridges and at least one setback from the eave on sloped roofs per IRC R324). Ground-mounted systems must meet zoning setbacks for accessory structures under LDC 5.3.1. Utility interconnection is through Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E), regulated by the Kentucky Public Service Commission. KRS 278.465–466 requires LG&E to offer net metering for systems up to 45 kW; the PSC's 2021 order (Case 2020-00350) set export compensation at the retail-minus-avoided-cost rate. Systems over 45 kW negotiate interconnection separately. Louisville participates in SolSmart and offers streamlined permitting for standard residential systems under 15 kW.
Unpermitted installation: retroactive permit required plus fines $200–$1,000 under LMCO Construction Review enforcement. Electrical code violation: correction order; LG&E will not energize a noncompliant system. Ground-mount zoning violation: removal or variance required. Failure to obtain PSC interconnection agreement: system must remain disconnected from grid.
Jefferson County, KY
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) regulates barking dogs under LMCO Chapter 91. Dogs that bark, howl, or whine persistently in a manner unreasonably distur...
Jefferson County, KY
As part of Louisville Metro Government since 2003, Jefferson County follows LMCO § 99.03. Exterior construction within 100 feet of residential property is pr...
Jefferson County, KY
Jefferson County and Louisville merged in 2003 to form Louisville Metro Government, so all unincorporated Jefferson County areas fall under LMCO Chapter 99 (...
Jefferson County, KY
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) LDC requires residential driveways in front or street-side yards to be no wider than 20 feet and surfaced with a hard or ...
Jefferson County, KY
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) LDC restricts RV and trailer parking in residential districts. RVs/boats over 25 feet or trailers over 16 feet are classi...
Jefferson County, KY
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) LDC restricts large commercial vehicles in residential zones. Heavy Trucks (multi-axle vehicles, trailers over 16 feet) a...
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