Milton, WI Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Milton's Chapter 78 splits solar regulation by scale. Sec. 24(1) governs "large solar energy systems," defined as equipment that converts and stores solar energy where the system itself is the only principal land use on the property, built primarily to sell power off-site. A large solar energy system "shall require a building permit before installation," and the application must include a scaled site plan, elevations showing height and configuration relative to property lines, foundation and soil specifications, equipment performance data, an emergency shutdown description, an electrical line drawing, evidence the utility has been notified, and evidence of FAA compliance where relevant.

The section goes further: "Solar energy systems are a conditional use," and the city applies Wis. 0403 along with PSC Chapter 128 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code in reviewing that conditional use application, meaning approval runs through the plan commission and common council rather than as an administrative sign-off. Structures must be rooftop, ground, or building-mounted within the height and yard standards for principal structures in the district, finished in a non-reflective, non-obtrusive color, wired underground or inside a building, unlit except where the FAA requires it, and lockable at all access points.

By contrast, a small solar energy system is listed in the minor accessory structures table at Sec. 28(13) as permitted in side and rear yards with "No maximum square footage," a markedly lighter standard than the large-system conditional use track.