Rock Island County, IL Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

659(B) splits solar installations into two tracks. 039 applying. That means a homeowner's rooftop or ground-mounted residential solar array does not go through a special use hearing; it is reviewed against the same accessory-building rules that already govern sheds, detached garages, and similar structures in that zoning district. Under (B)(2), a commercial solar energy facility is permitted only as a special use in the Agricultural, Suburban Estates, and Industrial zoning districts. 659(C) lists what a commercial special use application must include: an approved site plan, a sound-compliance report referencing 35 Ill.

Adm. S. Fish and Wildlife Service planning and consulting review, an executed agricultural impact mitigation agreement with the State Department of Agriculture, consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office, a decommissioning plan with a bond payable to the county filed with the County Zoning and Building Safety Department before a building permit issues, and a fire-protection-district approval letter. Development standards in division (D) cap panel height at 20 feet above ground at full tilt, require security fencing between six and 25 feet high, and set commercial setbacks at 150 feet from an occupied dwelling on non-participating property, zero feet from a participating property boundary, 50 feet from a public road right-of-way, and 50 feet from a non-participating property line.

Division (D)(9) bars issuance of a building permit for a solar farm until the applicant proves it has an off-take agreement or is registered with the regional transmission operator.