Jefferson County, WI Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Jefferson County Code § 22-1251, adopted February 23, 2026, incorporates Wis. 0403 as local ordinance to regulate solar energy systems (SES). Under § 22-1251(c), no SES may be erected, enlarged or extended without conforming to the article, evidenced by a zoning permit from the zoning administrator and, where required, conditional use permit approval from the Planning and Zoning Committee. Section 22-1253 spells out the process for small SES (under 100 megawatts nameplate capacity): they require both a conditional use permit and a zoning permit before construction begins, and are allowed as a conditional use in the A-1 exclusive agricultural, A-2 agricultural and rural business districts, plus the A-T district with written approval from the closest municipality.

The conditional use application must include a site plan, transportation route plan, drainage plan, construction schedule, vegetation management plan, grading plan, decommissioning plan, lighting plan requiring shielded fixtures that do not affect neighboring properties, erosion control plan, stormwater plan, screening plan meeting § 22-677, and airport notification if within five miles of an airport. The zoning permit application separately requires a narrative, final design and site plans showing setbacks, and payment of an application fee. Accessory solar systems under 1,000 kilowatts serving the same parcel are defined separately in § 22-1252 but the article's zoning and conditional use permit requirements apply to SES generally under § 22-1251. Applications are processed under chapter 22, article IV of the county code, with review by the Planning and Development Department.