Montgomery County, MD Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 8-24C
- Covered systems
- Rooftop PV, single-family detached homes only
- Fee authority
- Set by Executive Regulation, Method 2
- Penalty for no permit
- Class A violation, up to $1,000 fine
- Excluded municipalities
- Rockville, Gaithersburg, Takoma Park issue own permits
Summary
Montgomery County requires a fast-track review process for rooftop solar photovoltaic permits on single-family detached homes that meet Department of Permitting Services standardized requirements, with application fees set by executive regulation.
The Department must adopt a fast track review process for each permit to install a rooftop solar photovoltaic system for a single family detached home that meets standardized requirements adopted by the Department. The Department must set the application fee by Executive Regulation adopted under Method 2 for each permit to install a rooftop solar photovoltaic system for a single family detached home that meets standardized requirements adopted by the Department. (2014_L.M.C.,_ch._10, § 1.)
Sec. 8-24D. Expedited review process for an electric vehicle charging station. The Department must adopt a fast track review process for each permit to install an electric vehicle charging station at a single family detached home that meets standardized requirements adopted by the Department. The Department must set the application fee by Executive Regulation adopted under Method 2 for each permit to install an electric vehicle charging station at a single family detached home that meets standardized requirements adopted by the Department. (2014_L.M.C.,_ch._11, § 1.)
Sec. 8-25. Permits.
(a) Action on application. The Director must examine or cause to be examined each application for a building permit or an amendment to a permit within a reasonable time after the application is filed. If the application or the plans do not conform to all requirements of this Chapter, the Director must reject the application in writing and specify the reasons for rejecting it. If
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 8-24C directs the Department of Permitting Services to adopt a fast track review process for every permit to install a rooftop solar photovoltaic system on a single-family detached home that meets the Department's standardized requirements. The same section lets the Department set the application fee by Executive Regulation adopted under Method 2 rather than by Council vote. The expedited track applies only to rooftop systems on single-family detached homes; ground-mounted arrays and other building types go through standard building permit review. Rockville, Gaithersburg and Takoma Park run their own permitting departments and are not covered by this county process.
Violations & Fines
Installing a solar system without an approved permit is a Class A violation of Chapter 8, punishable by a criminal fine up to $1,000, up to 6 months in jail, or a civil fine up to $750 for repeat offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Montgomery County require a permit for rooftop solar panels?
Does the fast-track process cover ground-mounted solar arrays?
Do Rockville and Gaithersburg use this same permit process?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Maryland solar energy overview
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