New Berlin, WI Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Section 275-42 S governs solar collectors attached to a house as well as freestanding accessory solar collectors, and it treats both as accessory uses allowed in every zoning district citywide, not just residential ones. The application follows the ordinary building permit procedure in § 275-25 of the zoning chapter along with the City's Electrical Code (§ 275-42 S(1)). Beyond the standard permit paperwork, the applicant must submit a copy of any solar easement obtained from neighboring property owners, since panels sited to capture sun exposure can affect what a neighbor may build or plant nearby.

Construction and installation of the system must conform to all applicable state and local building and zoning codes (§ 275-42 S(2)). Placement is controlled dimensionally too: a solar energy conversion system must meet the setback and yard requirements of the zoning district where it sits, and must conform to that district's height limits like any other accessory structure (§ 275-42 S(3)). There is no separate solar-specific height allowance; a rooftop or ground-mounted array is measured against the same numbers that apply to sheds, garages, and other accessory structures in that district.

The building permit submittal itself must include a complete, scaled set of plans, including a site plan and structure details, and staff review that plan set to confirm the installation does not negatively impact public health, safety, or welfare. The Department of Community Development administers the permit; a zoning violation is enforced under the Code's general penalty at § 1-18.