Kirkwood, MO Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Section 25-51 of the Kirkwood Code of Ordinances governs solar energy systems citywide. Under § 25-51(a), solar arrays are permitted only as accessory uses reducing on-site or utility energy consumption; they may never serve as the principal use of a lot in any zoning district. The section applies to every system installed after the Code's effective date and to any upgrade that materially changes an existing system's size or placement, per § 25-51(b). Roof-mounted panels under § 25-51(c)(1) cannot exceed the maximum allowable building height for the structure they sit on, must mount within two feet of the roofline without projecting past the peak or edge on sloped roofs, and on flat roofs are capped at five feet above the roofline unless screened by a parapet or set back at least 10 feet from the roof edge.

Freestanding ground arrays under § 25-51(c)(2) must meet the applicable district's side and rear yard setbacks, may never sit in a required front yard or ahead of the principal building, and cannot exceed the height of the principal building or 16 feet, whichever is less; all wiring must be buried. Awning-mounted systems must meet the setback for architectural features, and wall-mounted systems must sit within two inches of the exterior wall. Systems must be designed to prevent reflective glare onto adjacent properties and rights-of-way under § 25-51(c)(6), and the Director of Public Services may approve emerging technologies not otherwise addressed under § 25-51(c)(5).